Pre-Felt Mindset

[Bailyen]

Many people talk about going and watching the play at the tables before you actually sit down, but a topic you seldom see discussed is the mindset you need to be in before you set down, or even watch players. That's exactly what I am going to discuss.

First, you need to be completely confident in your play before you sit down. If you are not confident that you can sit at the felt and take on whoever sits with you, then don't sit down. Move down a level or just take a break and regroup. I read an article recently from Card Player magazine and it mentioned the poker mindset. Although, it talked about using a mantra (or chant) before you play. They said to say your name and then something like this: You are the best! So the whole thing would look like this: Bill Roberts (fictional name), you are the best! The author said that this will create a self-confidence that will carry over to the poker table. Now, I'm not saying to do this but you at least need to go to the felt with confidence in yourself. If you want to give the mantra a try, then by all means go for it.

Second, you can't be afraid to lose the money you sit with. Now some of you may be saying "What are you talking about! I don't want to lose money!" And believe me neither do I, but you cannot sit at a table and never lose. There are bad beats or you may read an opponent wrong, etc. You just cant win 100% of the time. Does Phil Ivey win 100% of the time? It may seem like it but the answer is still 'NO". That's why it's called gambling. If you are afraid to lose the money then you are going to make timid plays and fold when the first pressure happens. You will just play sloppier if you are scared to lose. Thus, you WILL lose and you will always be trying to "get back to even".Therefore, don't take money you can't afford to lose. This way you wont worry too much about losing.

[pkrplr4116]

I agree with you! I have spent a small fortune taking NL poker lessons. Yet, when I goto the casino, I still play $4-8. Why? I'm not sure I can do it successfully at the NL level, yet. I know what I'm supposed to do, but I'm scared...jerk, I am. But till I'm more confident in my NL cash, you'll find me at the $4-8 or $2-6 spread limits. I've played the $1-2NL cash games some, but I'm always scared and that's not a good way to feel when playing for real money.

[Fonzi]

Originally Posted by pkrplr4116

I agree with you! I have spent a small fortune taking NL poker lessons. Yet, when I goto the casino, I still play $4-8. Why? I'm not sure I can do it successfully at the NL level, yet. I know what I'm supposed to do, but I'm scared...jerk, I am. But till I'm more confident in my NL cash, you'll find me at the $4-8 or $2-6 spread limits. I've played the $1-2NL cash games some, but I'm always scared and that's not a good way to feel when playing for real money.

take $100 and go to O'Shea's tonight around 11pm and play $1/2 NL. Bring an ipod if you don't want to listen to the drunks around you though.

[Assistanc3]

If you are not confident that you can sit at the felt and take on whoever sits with you, then don't sit down.

I don't agree with that. Players can easily make profits at the table avoiding the best player at the table.
Even the best player can get sucked out on or run cold.

You don't have to be #1 right now to win, one of the best parts of poker is that any given time anyone can win.

[pkrplr4116]

ROFLMAO! When I first moved to Vegas, I always played O'Shea's and the drunks always beat my butt in the tourneys. Now that I live in the area of South Point, M and GVR, I hate going to the Strip. but I'm going to an event there next week. I'll give it a shot!

[Fonzi]

Originally Posted by pkrplr4116

ROFLMAO! When I first moved to Vegas, I always played O'Shea's and the drunks always beat my butt in the tourneys. Now that I live in the area of South Point, M and GVR, I hate going to the Strip. but I'm going to an event there next week. I'll give it a shot!

It's best to go when there's lots of conventions in town. Otherwise you may run into locals who only pretend to be drunk.

[BAGELBEAR]

pkrply, have you checked out the Silverton yet?
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 6 pm they have a
$65 buy-in $2,000 guaranteed tournament. On
a good nite they get 50-60 players, lasts about
5 hours. At the M on Wednesdays & Saturdays
at 6 pm there's a $100 buy-in tourney with $25
bounty on everyone. South Point opened their new
poker room & I know on Thursday at 7 pm there
is a $100 buy-in, max. of 40 players. Haven't
played there in a while tho, so don't know about
the players.

We should meet up one day and play a tourney
together. I prefer Silverton, easier players,
altho very tough, as opposed to much more
aggressive at the M. Good luck wherever you
decide to play.

Debby

[pkrplr4116]

Damn! You busted me! My poor acting skills must have given me away.

Originally Posted by Fonzi

It's best to go when there's lots of conventions in town. Otherwise you may run into locals who only pretend to be drunk.