19 Jun 2024 mindset mental game discipline steal distance Poker is a game that combines skill, strategy, and psychological insight. Whether you're playing in tournaments or cash games, mastering the fundamentals can elevate your gameplay and lead to consistent success. However, even experienced players can struggle if they neglect the fundamental principles that govern effective poker play. That's where the our "7 Commandments of a Poker Player" come into play. This is the list of guiding poker principles that help you maintain focus, discipline, and a winning mindset at the table. From controlling your ego to understanding variance, these 7 commandments will guide you in the right direction to navigate the complexities of poker and maximize your potential for success. So, let's delve into the 7 commandments that can solidify your game. 1. Kill Your Weaknesses Kill your ego — it blinds and deceives you; kill your laziness — it hinders progress; kill your anger and resentment — thinking to scare the RNG with a broken mouse, seriously? Your true enemies are your own weaknesses, not the RNG and opponents. Remember, patience and self-awareness are key in poker. By setting aside your ego, you can focus on making rational decisions based on strategy rather than emotions. 2. Steal Blinds Relentlessly If there are fit-or-folders or nits in the blinds, steal whenever possible. No mercy! Then take a break and steal again. Steal small pots, don't ignore them. A lot of small birds in the hand are better than AA in a multiway pot on a JT8 board! Blind stealing can significantly boost your winrate and put pressure on your opponents. Remember, consistent small wins can add up to significant profits over time. 3. Bluff to Exploit Bluff more frequently: on scary cards and boards in weak lines based on your blockers If the opponent checks twice, he is almost always giving up the pot. If he defends his checking range, it's almost never. But for the sake of your bankroll: don't bluff into calling stations and don't tell the opponent a story he can't understand. Bluffing is an essential tool in a poker player's arsenal. By representing strong hands on scary boards and exploiting your opponent's tendencies, you can win more pots than your fair share. However, bluff selectively and avoid unnecessary risks that could harm your bankroll. Remember, bluffing is an art that requires timing, observation, and a deep understanding of your opponent's range. 4. Love Your Sponsor Don't argue in the chat and don't call the fish the one who just got involved with 73o against your 3-bet. Don't bite the hand that feeds you! Imagine them as a goldfish holding the envelope with your salary in its mouth. Building positive relationships with fish at the table is crucial for a long-term profitable poker experience. Avoid unnecessary conflicts and maintain a respectful demeanor towards your opponents, regardless of the outcome of a hand. 5. Respect Your Opponents' Deposits Don't slowplay with strong hands, make value bets — the pot won't build itself! Recognizing and maximizing the value of your hands is essential in poker. Remember, players are generally very passive, so take the initiative into your own hands and build the pot yourself. 6. Understand Variance Variance is inevitable, like death and taxes. It is an inherent part of poker and can lead to both winning and losing streaks, regardless of your skill level. By understanding variance and accepting its presence in the game, you can maintain a balanced mindset and avoid tilting during downswings. Remember, variance is a natural part of poker and should be embraced as a challenge to overcome rather than a source of frustration. Stay focused on making the best decisions possible in each hand, and trust that your skill and strategy will prevail in the long run. 7. Don't Change Your Winning Strategy No, it won't get upset and run to mommy, but it will reward you with a good win rate for your loyalty. Consistency is key in poker, and sticking to a winning strategy is essential for long-term success. Avoid unnecessary adjustments based on short-term results or emotional impulses, and trust in the effectiveness of your proven strategy. By maintaining discipline and confidence in your skills, you can overcome the ups and downs of the game and achieve consistent profitability over time. Till’ next time, grinders! May the fish be with you on the right, the nits on the left, and the "Fold" button in the middle.
