A Poker Resolution
By SOOZ
Yanxchick(at)gmail.com
Every New Year’s I make a resolution that has something to do with going to the gym. I belong to one and visit one often, but I am in casino more than a gym. However, it’s time to make a real resolution.
This year’s resolution is to become a better tournament player. I’m strictly a cash-game player and want to learn the other side of poker. I love playing with tournament players because I could pick off their bluffs and figure out their hands easier. But I want to learn the skills of a tournament player. (Really, that’s where the money is.)
All you poker players could make your own resolutions and here are a few simple ones:
- Don’t play under the influence. This isn’t just alcohol (or something else) that I am talking about. Don’t play tired and don’t play in a bad mood. All these things could change the way you play. In the end, you will see how much money you will save by not playing when you’re brain isn’t working to full capacity.
- Try out different games. Take your chances at Omaha or Stud. You might be strictly and no-limit player, but you might learn that your best is Omaha Hi/Lo. Who would have thought it? I know. But you have to try it out. So the biggest cash games aren’t Omaha or Stud, but there are still lucrative games around and big tournaments.
- When you’re losing act like you’re winning and vice versa. If you could learn to control your emotions while playing poker, you will become a better player. Emotions have no part in poker, but many people have not learned that. It can be frustrating, it can be orgasmic, but both are dangerous emotions at the poker table.
That’s just a start. Let me know what your resolutions are this year and let me know how well it goes.
See you on the felt.