In many forms of challenge, be it sports, climbing the corporate ladder, loosing fifty pounds, or games like poker, it is often said that an individual competes against himself above all else, regardless of how many opponents take the field against him. If you cannot defeat your own internal opponents, you will not have a chance against those sitting across the table from you.
What are some examples of “internal opponents?” Doubting your ability, being too cocky or proud, being to timid when you need to take chances, and having too much fun are all examples of attitudes and behaviors that can get in your way, preventing you from achieving success in your game.
In the previous article you took a moment to indicate what motivations were most important to you regarding the game of poker. For reference the list is repeated below. Note the example percentages and how this list is marked: your list should have similar indicators to rank motivations.
20% Make Money
00% Socialize
10% Relax
50% Excitement
20% Challenge Self
00% Pass Time
100%
By examining your chart, you can tell at a glance what factors motivate you to play. Answering the question “Why do I play poker” as accurately as possible will help your game. You need to pick your games based on your answers to that question.
If your answer, for example, was “I play poker to make friends and pass the time” then you would do better in low-limit games where your bankroll can sustain long term play. Also you may consider, if your stack is short, staying out of more hands in order to lengthen your time at the table, giving you more time to socialize.
If, on the other hand, your answer was “I play poker to relax,” you need to stay out of high-pressure games with a Maniac or two causing chaos and excitement; seek out some games with tight-aggressive and tight-passive players.
However you answer the question, knowing your motivations behind your play will set you far apart from those players who never take the time to examine themselves as much as their play.
