 |
HOMEPAGE
>> Free Demo
>> How it looks
>> How it works
>> more...
ONLINE POKER
>> Basic strategy
>> Poker reviews
STRATEGY
>> General strategy
>> Texas Holdem
>> Omaha
>> 7 Stud
>> Betting rounds
>> Tournaments
>> First 2 cards
>> more...
The Bluff
>> Bluffing
>> Higher Limits
>> Semi bluffing
CONTACT
German poker
Poker auf deutsch
French poker
Poker en ligne
Gluecksspiele
Poker & Casino
Casino en ligne
Poker
online
Online Poker
Online casino
Deutschland
GENERAL POKER STRATEGY - Control
Control is an interesting topic, as control involves more than trying to control your opponents; it also means having control over yourself, in particular your emotions while playing.
Most professional players will, at times, take extremely bad beats and, at other times, inflict bad beats on their opponents. How do you, as a PRO, react when either of these events occur? It is of course natural to be happier when you win a big pot by drawing out on your opponent and hitting that miracle card on the river; than to have your opponent draw out on you and win that big pot. But does it really make any difference, or rather; should it really make any difference to you?
At the time it happens, it will of course make a significant difference to your mental well being; but in the long run, will this one win or loss make any real difference in your earnings. (We are assuming that this is not the winning hand you need to win the World Series of Poker) With the exception that this is not the World Series of Poker, chances are one big loss or win will make no real difference to you, in the long run. Keeping this in mind, wouldn't it be better to take this stoic view when these things do happen to you? Let us suggest a scenario for you in which you might strive for such a neutral outward appearance that a spectator would be unable to tell by your face, speech or posture whether you just won or lost that big pot.
Do all pros do this? Absolutely not! Do most pros strive to accomplish this? We would say yes, even many of the ones who fall far short at times profess their goal is to improve their temperament.
Although we have no doubt that for a very few successful players, their volative nature may be considered (by them) a unique personality trait that may actually slightly improve their playing. We suspect, however, that this slight improvement is more likely to be a result of irritating other players at the table enough to affect their playing.
One downside we have observed in players who exhibit their emotions, is the negative effect it has on their confidence and playing when they hit a losing streak. One player we have observed experiencing this downward spiral at times is Phil Hellmouth, a many times world champion and great player, but more easily manipulated when on a losing streak. On the other hand, a player like Gus Hansen seems unaffected whether losing or winning and thus is virtually impossible to manipulate. Naturally, we are speaking only about outside appearances; as we are certain that all players have significant internal emotions upon winning or losing big.
Control?.... When you look for control, try first to control the one thing you already have exclusive control over.... Yourself.
Something to think about, isn't it?
Senior Poker Columnist
Janice Carroll
www.headsuppokerchampion.com
Not enough theory? Then read some of our other poker articles:
Hold'em Starting Hands - Evaluation of the Hold'em Starting Hands
Computer Analysis - Computer analysis of the hands
The Bonus Factor - The added bonus factor and its consequences
Or you can head straight to the online poker section, where you can put all of you knowledge to test and play online with over 70.000 other players.