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.
The French league’s legal commission has ordered Paris Saint-Germain to pay Kylian Mbappé the 55 million euros ($61 million) in unpaid wages that he claims he’s entitled to, the league said Thursday.
The league confirmed the decision to The Associated Press without more details, a day after the France superstar rejected a mediation offer by the commission in his dispute with his former club.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former football star Reggie Bush was at his Encino home Tuesday night when three male suspects attempted to break in, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.
“Everyone is safe,” Bush said in a text message to the newspaper.
The Los Angeles Police Dept. told the Times that a resident of the house reported hearing a window break and broken glass was found outside. Police said nothing was stolen and that three male suspects dressed in black were seen leaving the scene.
Bush starred at Southern California and in the NFL. The former running back was reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner this year. He forfeited it in 2010 after USC was hit with sanctions partly related to Bush’s dealings with two aspiring sports marketers.
VANCOUVER – A fresh face has been gracing the B.C. Lions‘ highlight reels in recent weeks.
Midway through his second CFL campaign, wide receiver Ayden Eberhardt has contributed touchdowns in two consecutive games.
The 26-year-old wide receiver from Loveland, Colo., was the lone B.C. player to reel in a passing major in his team’s 37-23 victory over the league-leading Montreal Alouettes last Friday. The week before, he notched his first CFL touchdown in the Lions’ win over the Ottawa Redblacks.
“It’s been awesome. It’s been really good,” Eberhardt said of his recent play. “At the end of the day, the biggest stat to me is if we win. But who doesn’t love scoring?”
He’ll look to add to the tally Friday when the Leos (7-6) host the Toronto Argonauts.
Eberhardt signed with B.C. as a free agent in January 2023 and spent much of last season on the practice squad before cementing a role on the roster this year.
The six-foot-two, 195-pound University of Wyoming product has earned more opportunities in his second season, said Lions’ head coach and co-general manager Rick Campbell.
“He’s a super hard worker and very smart. He understands, has high football IQ, as we call it,” Campbell said.
The fact that Eberhardt can play virtually every receiving position helps.
“He could literally go into a game and we could throw him into a spot and he’d know exactly what he’s doing,” the coach said. “That allows him to play fast and earn the quarterback’s trust. And you see him making plays.”
Eberhardt credited his teammates, coaches and the rest of the Lions’ staff with helping him prepare for any situation he might face. They’ve all spent time teaching him the ins and outs of the Canadian game, or go over the playbook and run routes after practice, he said.
“I’ve played every single position on our offence in a game in the last two years, which is kind of crazy. But I love playing football,” he said. “I want to play any position that the team needs me to play.”
While B.C.’s lineup is studded with stars like running back William Stanback — who has a CFL-high 938 rushing yards — and wide receiver Justin McInnis — who leads the league in both receiving yards (1,074) and receiving TDs (seven) — versatility has been a critical part of the team’s back-to-back wins.
“I think we’ve got a lot of talented guys who deserve to get the ball and make big plays when they have the ball in their hands. So it’s really my job to get them the ball as much as possible,” said quarterback Nathan Rourke.
“I think that makes it easy when you can lean on those guys and, really, we’re in a situation where anyone can have a big game. And I think that’s a good place to be.”
Even with a talented lineup, the Lions face a tough test against an eager Argos side.
Toronto lost its second straight game Saturday when it dropped a 41-27 decision to Ottawa.
“We’ll have our hands full,” Rourke said. “We’ll have to adjust on the fly to whatever their game plan is. And no doubt, they’ll be ready to go so we’ll have to be as well.”
The two sides have already met once this season when the Argos handed the Lions a 35-27 loss in Toronto back on June 9.
A win on Friday would vault B.C. to the top of the West Division standings, over the 7-6 Winnipeg Blue Bombers who are on a bye week.
Collecting that victory isn’t assured, though, even with Toronto coming in on a two-game skid, Campbell said.
“They’ve hit a little bit of a rut, but they’re a really good team,” he said. “They’re very athletic. And you can really see (quarterback Chad Kelly’s) got zip on the ball. When you see him in there, he can make all the throws. So we’re expecting their best shot.”
TORONTO ARGONAUTS (6-6) AT B.C. LIONS (7-6)
Friday, B.C. Place
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE: The Lions boast a 4-1 home record this season, including a 38-12 victory over the Redblacks at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, B.C., on Aug. 31. The Argos have struggled outside of BMO Field and hold a 1-5 away record. Trips to the West Coast haven’t been easy for Toronto in recent years — since 2003, the club is 4-14 in road games against B.C.
CENTURION: B.C. defensive back Garry Peters is set to appear in his 100th consecutive game. The 32-year-old from Conyers, Ga., is a two-time CFL all-star who has amassed 381 defensive tackles, 19 special teams tackles and 16 interceptions over seven seasons. “Just being on the field with the guys every day, running around, talking trash back and forth, it keeps me young,” Peters said. “It makes me feel good, and my body doesn’t really feel it. I’ve been blessed to be able to play 100 straight.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 12, 2024.
