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Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone
Ben Roberts
September 18, 2006
Poker Tips from the Pros
Ben Roberts
September 18, 2006
Poker Tips from the Pros
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| Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone Poker Tips from the Pros Many beginner poker players naturally gravitate toward a level of game where they feel most comfortable. |
| Many beginner poker players naturally gravitate toward a level of game where they feel most comfortable. The reasons for their choice may vary, but often include the size of their starting bankroll, and the amount of money they feel comfortable wagering in a particular hand or throughout a session. This is perfectly normal and reasonable. One of the things that separate truly profitable players from winning players, however, is their willingness to |
step out of their comfort zone and explore higher limit games.
After a few hundred hours of play, many people can determine whether or
not they are beating their regular games. For those players who are showing
a profit, there are some for whom taking home an extra $100 or $200 per
week is perfectly acceptable. They're mainly playing for fun and the winnings
are a nice benefit. For others, however, poker may be a steady source of
income, and boosting their bottom line could significantly affect their lives
away from the table.
One of the smartest things these players can do is to stretch their games
and play at higher limits. With proper planning, and the right approach, the
rewards can be immeasurable. To that end, I have some suggestions for
players who are thinking about taking their game to the next level.
First and most important, make sure you have the bankroll to sustain yourself
at a higher level. If you take a shot and lose, you shouldn't have to worry
about rebuilding your bankroll from scratch. A good recommendation is to
stockpile enough money so that you can comfortably afford between eight
and 10 buy-ins before you have to retreat to a smaller game.
This leads to my second piece of advice, which is not to let a few losing
sessions affect your attitude or impair your judgment. I'm not saying that
losing doesn't sting and that tilt doesn't happen. They do. But, players who
successfully move up the ladder understand that not every session will be a
winning one, and that by constantly analyzing their games - and those of
their opponents' - they'll be able to make adjustments that will help them
succeed.
When moving up the poker ladder, you'll inevitably encounter players with
more experience and skill than you possess. Recognizing these players and
learning from them is one of the smartest moves you can make. Conversely,
letting your ego and pride get in the way of observing these players can lead
you to keep investing money in a losing situation and, eventually, affect your
overall performance and excitement toward the game.
Remember, successful people fail more often than unsuccessful people.
Successful people try new things, fall down, pick themselves up, and try
again. So, if your first attempt to move up to a higher stakes game falls short
of your expectations, don't despair. Look at your play and the play of your
opponents, regroup, and try again. The experience will be worth it.
After a few hundred hours of play, many people can determine whether or
not they are beating their regular games. For those players who are showing
a profit, there are some for whom taking home an extra $100 or $200 per
week is perfectly acceptable. They're mainly playing for fun and the winnings
are a nice benefit. For others, however, poker may be a steady source of
income, and boosting their bottom line could significantly affect their lives
away from the table.
One of the smartest things these players can do is to stretch their games
and play at higher limits. With proper planning, and the right approach, the
rewards can be immeasurable. To that end, I have some suggestions for
players who are thinking about taking their game to the next level.
First and most important, make sure you have the bankroll to sustain yourself
at a higher level. If you take a shot and lose, you shouldn't have to worry
about rebuilding your bankroll from scratch. A good recommendation is to
stockpile enough money so that you can comfortably afford between eight
and 10 buy-ins before you have to retreat to a smaller game.
This leads to my second piece of advice, which is not to let a few losing
sessions affect your attitude or impair your judgment. I'm not saying that
losing doesn't sting and that tilt doesn't happen. They do. But, players who
successfully move up the ladder understand that not every session will be a
winning one, and that by constantly analyzing their games - and those of
their opponents' - they'll be able to make adjustments that will help them
succeed.
When moving up the poker ladder, you'll inevitably encounter players with
more experience and skill than you possess. Recognizing these players and
learning from them is one of the smartest moves you can make. Conversely,
letting your ego and pride get in the way of observing these players can lead
you to keep investing money in a losing situation and, eventually, affect your
overall performance and excitement toward the game.
Remember, successful people fail more often than unsuccessful people.
Successful people try new things, fall down, pick themselves up, and try
again. So, if your first attempt to move up to a higher stakes game falls short
of your expectations, don't despair. Look at your play and the play of your
opponents, regroup, and try again. The experience will be worth it.