How the hell do I become a better poker player?
Ok, so you asked yourself: how the hell do I get better? How do I improve my game? Well, think of two things for now:
1) Start where you are and take the game apart. It really does not matter if your limit is $2/$4 or $20/$40. How much do you exactly know about the game? For example: what is the minimal hand that wins at least 50% of pots heads-up in your game? What is the minimal hand that wins more than its fair share in a three way pot (i.e. hand that wins more than 33%)?
In which spots are the marginal hands profitable? What are some of the statistical facts that weaker players either do not know or do not understand? What are the worst plays one can make? What are some of the difficult plays that only pros make?
Don’t be afraid to ask yourself some unconventional questions. Remember if you know more than your competition and understand how to apply it, you have an edge.
2) Love what you do. What kind of maniac goes to play online poker while he is on a break during the World Series intermission? Scott Fishman (http://www.scottfischman.com/). Loving what you do makes a huge difference.
Scott is a prototype of those who love what they do and do what they love. It comes as no surprise that he became, at the age of 23, the youngest player to win two World Series gold bracelets. It is highly doubtful that he could achieve this feat without absolutely loving the game.
Imagine Scott (or any other highly successful pro) sighing or feeling uninterested as he sits down to play poker. You can’t give a peak performance when there is no inner excitement about what you do.
Negativity is a major detriment to your performance any way you look at it. Notice that if you love what you do, you will “take it apart”. While there is nothing wrong with expecting to be paid for your effort, considering money as an end in itself guarantees a somewhat “dry” experience that usually leads to a burn-out and excessive feelings of tiredness.
Playing simply because you love to play enhances your ability to pull through the rough spots.
Are you taking notes? Are you listening?
I’m giving you gems here 