What MakesThem Better?
Any time I see poker on TV, I find myself wondering what makes these guys so good? How come we are so accustomed to seeing the same ole faces on the screen.
Like Mike McDermott (A.K.A. Matt Damon)said,
"Why does this still seem like gambling to you? I mean, why do you think the same five guys make it to the final table of the World Series of Poker every single year? What, are they the luckiest guys in Las Vegas? It's a skill game, Jo." - Rounders
Now obviously he was referring to the way back days when the WSOP consisted of a few hundred players or less, but Mr. Damon is absolutely correct. Poker is a skill game. It is not considered gambling because if you play properly and play by the so called 'book', in the long run you should be a winner. But that does not explain why we continue to see the same players make the final table in the big tournaments. There is something inherently shared among these stars of poker. Let's dive into what that may be...
Cool, Calm & Collected
A bunch of smart ass people conducted a highly scientific experiment on 400 plus poker players that I did not understand to the fullest. I have linked it on the bottom of the page if you would like to take a look further into the topic. What I did come away with was that most professional players share similar personality traits when it comes to handling their emotions.
As we all know, poker is a game of ups and downs. The best of the best are able to handle both ends of the spectrum. Meaning they don't get overexcited when they win or lose. These pros are able to play poker and tame the mood swings that come along with it. Almost stoic in a way. It makes me rethink my desire to become a pro, because I know I don't control my emotions all that well, especially when something good happens. Shit, if I win me a big tourney, I'd streak by the slots on my way to the bank. Not something any of us want to see...including myself. In turn, if I get lucksacked out on by somebody with a bullshit ass river, I get pissed. Angry enough to break a laptop even. Hey, don't judge me. Just play better cards so I don't lose to crap hands and I save a laptop screen, or two. Lolz. So unless you are able to handle the variance that a game like NLHE can bring, professional poker may not be the best for you.
Perhaps the mental poker guru Tony Angelo said it best,
"To win at poker, you have to be very good at losing."
Luck Be A Lady Tonight
Luck is another common trait most poker professional players share. Now obviously most of us agree that poker is not a game of luck, but it most certainly plays a factor. It would be foolish to deny it in fact. Especially if you are a tournament player who enjoys large multi-table tournaments with large, top heavy payouts. In tournaments like that, there are so many factors at play. So much variance involved that luck must be a factor. Without a little luck on your side, you are almost guaranteed NOT to make the final table. Think about the last time you watched the main event. Look back at all the 'race' flops that are won by the eventual winner. Or, how many times the river saved them early on in the tournament which allowed them to make it to the final table in the first place.
You can play the best quality poker imaginable, but if you do not have Lady Luck in your corner, you may as well throw in the towel. Ha! You see what I did there?!
Thank you for taking a little time to talk poker with us today.