Poker face is not an empty phrase but rather a fundamental proposition of a well-rounded poker player. Not showing your thoughts to the opponent while playing a card game is almost impossible, and experienced players could catch up on their mental state in the longer sessions.
Being calm is only part of the equation in poker. Self-discipline to stay calm and stay on the charted course is something successful players must work on relentlessly.
Why won’t impulsive play style work?
In most cases, poker is a marathon, and playing impulsively can win you a few games, but chances are highly against reckless and impulsive players in the long run. What would you do if you have poor cards and statistically know that there is a low probability of winning? Sometimes bluffing is an option, but playing risky with low odds won’t win you many games in competitive poker matches with knowledgeable opponents.
The situation is similar to quarterback play in American Football. If pass-rushers storm you, and you have a high chance of getting hit or losing the ball, it is better to throw the ball away or duck and live to see another day. Although you accepted a slight loss, you have increased your chances in the big picture.
Learning how to play
Reaching that level of confidence in your game is not easy in football and poker. Not having enough confidence in your game is one of the reasons players who visit GGPoker for the first time don’t last through a whole poker game. The curiosity that drives you to find out what other players have can also derail you from your goal.
One of the best strategies to increase discipline in poker play is knowledge. Luckily, there are hundreds of excellent books written on poker. You can also explore articles about poker strategy or watch countless YouTube videos. Knowing more will help you build up your confidence, and with that, a more natural style of play is possible.
Increasing self-discipline
Scientific studies showed a high correlation between self-discipline and success in many areas of life. Famous Walter Mischel Marshmallow Studies is a prime example of such a connection.
Kids were left in the room with marshmallows, and they could eat one instantly or wait for 15 minutes to get two. Later research showed that kids who couldn’t wait had troubling behavior in the last year and that self-discipline is a good sign for success in multiple fields.
In contrast to willpower, self-discipline is a habit-like behavior that can bring you success in the long run. For instance, if you have strong willpower and go on a diet. Eventually, it will wear you down, and in most cases, the diet will fail. But if you have self-discipline and create a healthy lifestyle, there is no taxation on your will, and you won’t even notice some sacrifices.
If we translate self-discipline to the poker table, you will have a plan for your play. The game decision, bankroll management, and impulses won’t impact other poker table decisions. Playing with a calm sense of self-discipline will grant you statistically more success, and more wins will equate to a better overall feeling. Such experience can be gratifying much more than impulsive play full of ups and downs.
To increase your self-discipline, you should always create a goal. Monitoring your game and evaluation is crucial to see the possible flaws and lack of discipline. If you do make mistakes, own them. Being accountable is essential to developing positive habits.
To last through a challenging poker game with worthy opponents, you must know how to play, and a healthy dose of self-discipline and control can give you a much better chance of staying late at a table.
