Playing Fearless at the Poker Tables
April 6, 2008
Poker is nothing more than a test of courage. Not only are you potentially risking big money but you are (at times) putting yourself on the line. Sitting at that poker table, online or not, making a bet, folding, raising, getting beat and raking a pot will all make you feel butterflies in your stomach.
Mastering your fears and mastering your inner self is mastering poker. Consider the following:
What is the Fearless Poker Player?
- You must be willing to raise aggressively and rereaise when prompted.
- You can not fear that someone has the nuts just because he raised you.
- You have to stay strong when someone comes after you
- You can not be intimidated by experienced players
- You can’t be afraid of losing your money
- You can’t be foolhardy with your money
- You must not be afraid to fold a hold
- You must not be afraid to fold a hand that might be a winner
- You have to wait patiently for a playable hand
- You have to be willing to bluff
- You have to be willing to look that tough guy in the eyes when you do bluff
- You have to believe in yourself even during losing streaks