Poker News

John Carlisle

We hear this old cliche way too often: “You have to take it one step at a time.” We’ve heard it so often we often dismiss its meaning and message. One step at a time has been my reality lately, not simply a cliche. You see, I was recently in a serious car accident which forced me to take on a new pace in life - slow, with each singlestep carefully measured. With injuries to my back and neck, my stiff walking strides probably resembled that of Frankenstein. It is frustrating to have to concentrate on taking each simple step up a flight of stairs or across the living room floor. “Just WALK,” my mind screamed as my muscles did not cooperate.

“One step at a time” is not a mantra that most new players subscribe to at all. They scramble up playing levels and buy-in’s as if poker is a race to the top. They dive into tough games against veteran opponents after reading a poker book or doing well at their home games. Although a few players are doing quite well with their quick ascension into higher poker limits and tougher games, most become disheartened as they see their bankrolls dwindle. Remember, for your first couple of years worth of playing poker, your game is likely erratic and unproven.

Your path in poker is likely somewhat similar to my injury-induced “Frankenstein” walk; you may be getting to where you are going but it is in a jerky, rough path. Nobody ever promised a smooth, easy road to greatness. So, don’t expect it. Every day I am walking a little better than the day before. Physical therapists train me and push me to strengthen my sore, tired muscles. In your poker quest, you must identify who your helpers will be. Find a proven poker veteran who is willing to mentor you as you progress. Someone to not only critique your playing strategies, but who also can provide you a greater picture of this great game of poker.

My wife consoles me, and then encourages me, when the frustrations overtake my thoughts. When a simple task such as reaching an item on the top shelf is impossible due to muscle strains, she says the right things to help turn my disgust into hope. Who will do this task for you in poker? When the cards are not falling for you and it seems that you may never win another pot, poker becomes a grind. When your entire game is falling apart and you are in a continual state of tilt, who will know exactly how to “reach” you to reignite your confidence and internal drive?

One step at a time, folks. That is how I am now taking life. That is always how I’ve tried to approach poker. I’d suggest that you try to do the same. No need to plop down $10,000 to enter the World Series before you are proven and ready. The World Series isn’t going anywhere. In fact, I’d bet you would look pretty foolish walking into the Rio to play the World Series with that obvious Frankenstein-like playing style! You will know when you are ready. It is when you can stride in with your smooth, confident high-step and know that you belong. You willknow that you have made it, one step at a time.

Now go make it happen.

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