Poker Pays My Bills

Each morning before you play, take a few minutes to prepare yourself for the sessions ahead. Taking some time to think about the process before you play will do wonders for your decision making ability, mental stamina, and overall results. Here is a sample preparation I find very useful for Hold ‘em.

Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths, relaxing and allowing the thoughts in your mind to settle. Then recite the affirmations below silently in your mind. You may alter the elements to suit your game, but it is important to take the time to think about each element of the preparation, not just read down a list mindlessly. As you go through each line, actually make the mental effort to imagine that concept in your mind until you “feel” yourself grasping it before moving on to the next concept.

Every time I play poker, my game improves. I am happy playing poker, I love to play poker. I am relaxed while playing poker.

I am patient while playing poker. (Example – you may imagine a whole session where you just fold away because you don’t really get many playable hands, and that is ok. You are at peace with that.)

I have excellent concentration playing poker.
I observe my opponents and I know their tendencies.
I choose the best seats in the most profitable games.

Preflop, I consider the action so far, position, stack sizes, my opponent’s tendencies, and any table history (such as your table image). I make the absolute most optimal and perfect pre-flop decision.

On the flop, I evaluate the texture of the flop. I consider my opponent’s range and tendencies, as well as their perception of my range and tendencies. I consider stack to pot ratio, hand strength, and any history that might apply. I correctly check, or fold, or extract value from the situation.

If I see a turn card, I review the action so far and narrow down my opponent’s range. My analysis and intuition are extremely accurate, so I act on my reads with confidence. I correctly check, or fold, or extract value from the situation.

If I see a river card, I have all the information I need to make the most optimal poker decision. I slow down on the river and take my time reviewing all the action in the hand, because the river decision is often the largest and most important. My analysis and intuition are extremely accurate, so I act on my reads with confidence. I correctly check, or fold, or extract value from the situation.

Poker is abundant. Flops hit my hands, and these good hands hold up and receive value. My draws come in, and they too hold up and receive value. My bankroll grows and I make frequent withdrawals.

Now take a few more deep breaths with your eyes closed, bringing yourself out of your relaxed state, alert and energized and ready for your session.

September 11th, 2009 Magdalena posted in Good Poker Habits No Comments »