Poker News

John Carlisle

Sociologists uncovered an interesting phenomenon that occurs with Gypsies. This nomadic pack of people has an uncanny rate of successful recovery to relatively serious illnesses. Despite the fact that they do not have total access and understanding to all of the modern treatments and preventative measures, they still have a higher recovery rate to many illnesses and diseases than most “regular” folks. Researchers found that their immune systems were not superior. Instead, it seems that their success in physical health is linked to their emotional and mental health. You see, Gypsies are a very close-knit community.

When one person is seriously ill, the entire group comes together with heartfelt support. A dozen (or more) friends and relatives will drop everything in order to accompany the sick person to their medical appointment. Those supporting people then stay with the ill individual throughout the ordeal, showing undying love and hope. In addition, the Gypsy belief system of strength and faith has them each truly expect the sick person to survive and thrive. Research has shown over and over again that such a positive outlook will increase the likelihood of improvement.

As poker grows in popularity, more and more individual players are becoming “team” players. Bands of players are coming together through common interests and common goals in order to better their game and reach more success. They call themselves all sorts of interesting names: mobs, crews, packs, clans, clicks, squads, platoons, etc.

They’re hoping to get the same sorts of results that the Gypsies have - unity, support, an inherent trust in each other, mutual reliance, and (thus) success. From what I have witnessed, the poker packs are indeed moving in positive directions. Of course, the benefits of being able to critique each other’s play and share insights from books and videos are an obvious plus. What is not so apparent to the untrained eye is the psychological benefits of these poker teams.

A supportive team will inherently help a player to feel confident and powerful. With fellow players boosting their personal psychological mindset, the individual is ready to face any challenge. Since poker is usually a lonely, individual endeavor, confidence can be a fickle trait. It can start to wane as soon as a streak of bad cards or bad beats hits a player. A close poker team can combat such downward spirals.

Likewise, each player of a team is more likely to win because the rest of the group expects them to win. It falls into line with the psychological principal of the Self- Fulfilling Prophecy. This principle shows us that we usually achieve exactly what we expect to achieve. If you think you are only capable of making two basketball foul shots out of ten, you would be extremely unlikely to make ten out of ten. Your mind would subconsciously sabotage your foul shots down the stretch in order to fall close toyour expectations. This is a basic concept that keeps many Sports Psychologists in business. An entire group of supportive players can help to the fill the role of Psychologist by helping to re-aim the expectation to greater heights.

If you are looking for an avenue to take your game and mentality to the next level, a “Mob Mentality” may be the means to your desired end. You will be making yourself better as you make your teammates better. Now go make it happen.

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