Online poker can be quite overwhelming, especially if you try to turn the game into a profession. An entire array of emotions is involved in every game and Everygame poker tournament you play: from elation to defeat, from excitement to dread.
Some players bounce from one extreme emotion to the exact opposite, which sabotages their chances of winning the game. When you aren’t focused, and you allow your feeling to get out of hand, executing your strategy to perfection will be a hard feat.
That is why you have to learn to control your mindset and get your head on straight before you play poker online or offline. With the right attitude, you will be able to rule your emotions and to a certain extent – rule the game.
What is the Right Frame of Mind?
Here is the one word you should repeat to yourself before every round you play: positivity.
It doesn’t matter if you have a crappy hand or a winning combination, because the vibes you send out to the world are more important than the actual cards you have in your possession.
Imagine you’re in the middle of a tournament. Thus far, you had very little luck, and you’re frustrated for obvious reasons. Unable to control your emotions, you might act irrationally, aggressively, and even recklessly.
Your opponents are seasoned players, and they pick up on your mood right away. And then, a miracle occurs. You get a pair of aces, and the flop reveals another ace. You are so close to winning, and yet – something goes wrong.
Since the other players managed to decipher your behavior patterns straight off the bat, they immediately understand that you have a winning hand. Everyone folds, and you lose your grand opportunity to win a large pot.
Many players are unable to maintain a poker face due to the fact that they are not in the right frame of mind. If you manage to stay positive and believe in your ability to win no matter what, nothing will be able to rattle you, winning will become an actual possibility. However, if you let every little failure and mistake control your behavior, you are doomed from the start.
Stay Focused and Smile
By staying away from bad thoughts, you will be able to focus on your game plan, thus increasing your chances of outsmarting your opponents. But the million dollar question is: how do you manage to stay positive all the time? Here are a few tips that might help you:
- Stay in the moment – One of the most depressing thoughts often revolve around things you did wrong in the past or things that might go wrong in the future. If you live in the moment and focus solely on what is happening in front of you, unpleasant thoughts won’t be able to distract you. That means that you have to clear your head and let go of any problems you have in your day-to-day life. You will be surprised at how much easier playing will become once you tune out all irrelevant thoughts!
- Happy mind in a healthy body – In recent years, the fact that living a healthy lifestyle can affect all aspects of your life became common knowledge. Research shows that eating and sleeping habits are linked directly to your mood, so if you stay healthy – you will be able to control your emotions better. By managing to put a rein on your feelings, you will be able to play with a clear mind and beat your opponents with little problem.
- Never cease learning – You will lose – that is a fact. Even the best players must admit defeat from time to time, but what makes them successful is their ability to learn from their mistakes. Instead of sulking when things don’t go your way, take the time to analyze the course of events and stay as objective as you can.
In Conclusion
Keeping a smile on your face while playing poker is a crucial part of every game strategy, so clear your mind, and enjoy the game!