There is more to poker than strategy and math

A lot of poker players are under the assumption that once they know the odds and are able to implement a solid strategy that they are entitled to win at the poker tables. Unfortunately there is a lot more to be a winning poker player than just knowing the math of the game and when to check-raise, continuation bet, and slow-play a big hand. In this article I will outline just how far strategy can take you, and what other intangibles you’ll need to add to your game to be truly successful.

Perhaps I should first describe what I mean by a successful poker player: A successful poker player is a person who relies on poker as their primary source of income, not simply a winning player -although this is a feat in and of itself. So even if you are crushing the micro and low-limit games doesn’t qualify you as being a successful poker player in my mind.

So many people want to have the poker lifestyle, but when they actually start playing full-time they realize the life of a professional poker player is not quite what they signed up for. There is a lot of boredom, monotony, and hard-work that is needed to beat the game soundly enough for you to make a living from.

Now, knowing the odds and strategies can make you a winning low-limit player, but to actually become a professional poker player there are a few other things you will need to do at the poker tables:

• Keep your composure

Players who take things personally are prone to tilt very easy, and when you’re on tilt you’re not playing your best, and when you’re not playing your best you’re losing money. Therefore, anytime you lose your composure you are losing money.

This goes beyond tilt as well; you’ll also need to handle the boredom, desensitization and mundane existence of a poker pro. Basically, as a poker pro you will see everything and your time at the tables usually feels quite boring.

• Be prepared to play every day

Similar to avoiding tilt, you should also show up to play poker in the right frame of mind. That means avoiding distractions, being well-rested, not playing hungry, drunk, high or stressed out.

The players who show up ready to play are at a huge advantage, they don’t rush into the first available seat, and they are more aware of how they are performing at any given time.

• Work on your game

Finally, you should also be constantly trying ot improve your game by going over critical hands, talking to other players about strategies and theories, and keeping up-to-date on the latest poker strategy by reading books, articles, forums, and even joining an online poker training site.

So, while knowing the basics of the game can turn virtually any poker player into a winning low-limit player, it’s the above intangibles that will turn a winning low-limit player into a professional poker player who is capable of beating tough poker games, not merely tables full of fish and donkeys.