Poker News

John Carlisle, MA, NCC

Our American culture has allowed us to become accustomed to instant gratification. We expect to get what we want in the shortest amount of time possible. Perhaps this helps to explain the recent aura of impatience that has overtaken the new generation of poker players. Each new player that gets attracted to this game due to the explosion of television exposure seems to expect to become successful and profitable in only a couple of months time.

It is certainly true that new players today have amazing advantages to shorten the learning curve remarkably. With dozens of informative poker books and videos on the market, innumerable poker chat forums and websites, and poker odds software readily available, keen players can gain a quick understanding of the game. With online players having access to tools that include hand histories to evaluate their play, dissecting past mistakes is easier than ever. Still, isn’t it a bit unrealistic for many new players seem to carry with them a cocky attitude as if they expect to win? The poker veterans grumble that they haven’t “paid their dues.”

Indeed, everyone must understand that true excellence in poker is a lifelong marathon. Time reading an instructional book about poker is not a viable replacement for time invested at the table. Poker veterans should be viewed with a certain respect, and their experiences should be honored and valued. They have probably had amazing experiences on their poker journey. They’ve seen the toughest scenarios, battled against great players, and played through the coldest run of cards.

But should we actually expect newcomers to the game to carry anything but an entitled attitude with high expectations? After all, they see poker as a sprint, not a marathon. They have a narrowed vision of the game, and look only to today to fill their expectations. With that, they could win just as often as those who’ve been playing for a long time. When they truly believe that they can win, that feeling of confidence and hope overtakes them. Basically, they know that displaying weakness and insecurity at the table will spell certain doom. The barracudas at the table will undoubtedly see this weakness as an advertisement to attack. Instead, the newcomer has psychologically fooled himself into thinking that he can play with the best despite a lack of playing experience. His self-boosted ego is the only hope to mask the uncertainties from himself and his opponents.

Whether you are a newcomer, a veteran, or somewhere in between, take some time to think about your own personal poker marathon. Understand that being your absolute best at this game takes a unique blend of confidence and skill that comes from years and years of play and study. You must believe that patience and practice will eventually pay big dividends. Thinking long-term will allow you to better accept and move past an occasional bad beat or a single bad night. Embark on your poker quest, and remember to enjoy the journey. Now go make it happen.

In addition to being an avid poker enthusiast, John is a certified Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. He has a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from West Virginia University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Lock Haven University. You can ask the “Poker Counselor” your question at carlisle14@hotmail.com.

Filed under: Poker News