At the World Series of Pokers’ Main Event in 2003, Chris Moneymaker, a middle-aged accountant from Nashville, turned $40 into $2.5 million.
Since then, the popularity of poker has soared, as eager individuals the world over hope to win life-changing riches and fame, just like Chris.
For a player to perform their very best in poker. Passion and dedication to the game are essential, as is the willingness to use the ten tips below.
1 – Practise makes perfect
This may seem obvious, but the more you play, the more your game will improve. Of course, there is risk involved with poker, so it’s a good idea to play for free for a while, unless you’re feeling ultra-confident.
2 – Post-Game Reflection
Whether a player wins or loses, reflecting on what happened throughout the game will help individuals figure out what did and didn’t work in the game.
Whether identifying the point where a player started to tilt or realizing they were seated in the late position. Which means they had the luxury of taking more adventurous moves than other players.
Post-game reflection gives players the chance to prevent future mistakes from reoccurring.
3 – Selective Reading, Watching, and Listening
It’s wise to be selective about what poker material players read, watch, and learn.
There’s a lot of poker-centred forums, blogs, and books out there. But just because the author claims they are a poker expert and have each poker player’s interests at heart, it doesn’t mean they necessarily do.
As such, looking at reviews and researching the author will ensure poker enthusiasts choose educational resources that are worthwhile; to expand their knowledge about the game and improve their skills.
4 – Reason Each Move
Author Maria Konnikova reveals in her book ‘The Biggest Bluff’ rational decision-making on every move in poker is essential for a player to perform at their best.
Whether a player chooses to check, bet, fold, call or raise, reasoning must justify their move.
For example, a player may choose to fold based on the low value of their cards and their position to the left of the button, which gives them little scope to see what the other players’ turns will hold.
Logically defining a move prevents the player from making irrational decisions during the game.
5 – Prioritize Sleep
Despite its health-boosting, stress-busting benefits, a good night’s rest is heavily underrated by most.
Even though adequate sleep each night allows individuals to replenish their energy. Meaning players can sustain prolonged periods of analytical thinking, which is, of course, essential during a poker game.
Poker players committed to playing their best in tournaments should aim to achieve at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
6 – Assess Diet
What poker players eat on the run-up to the game will also help determine their performance during the event.
A heavy meal, such as a burger and shake before a poker game, will inevitably set a player up to feel lethargic during the game. In turn, diminishing their ability to reason their next move and keep tabs on other players’ actions.
As a tip, swapping large plates of processed food for smaller, regular meals packed with nutrients. Will ensure poker players have the energy to remain alert throughout the game.
7 – Practice Relaxation Techniques
Being relaxed yet focused on the game is more complicated than a player might think. After all, there’s a lot for poker players to consider in-game.
To prevent stress, frustration, and even confusion from taking over a player’s ability to make rational decisions. Using the below relaxation techniques can help individuals keep a cool, calm head throughout the game.
Take Deep Breaths: During a game, when nerves strike, and the heart starts racing. Take a few long, deep breaths. A flurry of oxygen to the brain will enable players to think more clearly while slowing down a racing heart.
Detach Emotions: It’s easy to get emotional in poker. However, to be an excellent player, it’s wise for poker fanatics to learn to be, as much as possible, emotionless to ensure they play in a controlled manner.
Poker players can draw inspiration from emotionless characters such as Sherlock Holmes or Sheldon cooper. Each character takes action to meet a defined purpose without being swayed by emotions or the outcome.
Of course, this is easier said than done. But it’s undoubtedly worth practising to help players keep calm during their poker games.
8 – Find a Mentor
The world of poker is complex. Moreover, it’s often challenging for players to evaluate what they are doing right or wrong in their poker games.
However, a poker coach can offer valuable insight, advice, and support to keep potential poker star hopefuls on track to success.
9 – No Alcohol
Whether a few vodka shots, a whiskey on the rocks, or a signature cocktail, alcohol consumption impairs a poker players’ ability to make intelligent decisions.
As such, it’s essential for players who like a drink to think about cutting out alcohol before and during their next game.
10 – Visit the Restroom
It may seem insignificant but taking a quick toilet break before a poker match can ensure players are both comfortable and focused during a competition.
11 – Picking a Poker Game
This step involves players being mindful of the experience and status of the players who will be attending a poker game or tournament.
For example, sitting with professional poker players who have an unlimited bankroll will only leave newbie poker players with destroyed egos and empty pockets.
If you can’t spot the sucker in your first half-hour at the table, then you are the sucker. – Rounders (1998)
There are multiple things poker players can do to play their very best in a game.
From hiring a mentor to enrolling in poker courses. While also taking care of their physical and mental wellbeing.
Every positive change will take players one step close to reaching their full potential of becoming the best poker player they can be.
