Busting 5 Poker myths
Poker letters
Poker is a fascinating game, and the root of many debates. There is the skill vs luck debate and many others. There are also more than a few misconceptions that some players, especially the novice players and outsiders have about the game of poker that is certainly not a true reflection of the reality of the situation and this article focus on a few of those myths in order to change these perceptions.
Myth #1: Poker is all about luck
Really Einstein? Then explain why the professional players are able to consistently reach the final tables? Yes sure, a lot depend on the cards you receive but mostly your “luck” depends on how well you play them. When Gary Player, the great golfer, was once asked if he considers himself lucky when he hits a hole in one he said: “Yes, I am a very lucky man, and the more I practice, the luckier I get”. That’s poker for you!
Myth #2: The best players are all very aggressive players
This myth is not completely false but is certainly not true. There are certainly some very successful players with a very aggressive style that managed to reach the top. The late, great Stu Ungar was a great example. His unique style constantly put players to the test but it was his superior reading ability that pushed him over the edge. If he did not specifically also have this talent, mere aggression would not have meant the same. Today aggressive players such as Gus Hansen also find aggression as an important part of their personal strategy but there are plenty of their equals who are more cautious players and consistently generate great returns. Donnacha O’Dea is an example of a tighter player who has been marvellous competitors over many years. Understand that aggression is part of your overall strategy and needs to be a comfortable fit with your personality style on top of it.
Myth #3: Great Players are Born Great
Ok, so perhaps not everyone can learn to play piano like Redolfi. The same is certainly not true about poker. Whilst some of the poker pros may look like a superhero with an unequaled genius talent, it is possible for any Joe Soap to also become a fabulous player with patience, patience, patience and practice, practice, practice.
Myth #4: “I can’t beat these players they’re just too bad”
Yes, it is certainly an irritating experience to play against loose canons, but use this to your advantage. Sure, they may be lucky from time to time. Sure you are going to suffer a few bad beats against them. That is fine. Devise a strategy of how to deal with this that won’t send you in a tilt while you are steaming. This is a fashionable myth that is almost entirely shouted by losing players, who need to externalize their losing streak. Always keep in mind that at low stake levels and limits, the style of poker played by the majority of players is a vastly different style than that played at higher stakes. Just avoid fancy play against those players and stick to simple ABC poker – it will serve you well.
Myth #5: Changing poker sites will change your luck
As with all superstitions, this is entirely false and will help you in no way except, like with all other superstitions, this acts as a placebo to give you some psychological comfort. You know what, poker is a game of skill. If you are a patient player with a well oiled strategy that applies the basic principles to your game, it won’t matter where you play or who your opponents are. Rather choose your online poker site based on factors that are important to you like experience, trustworthiness and so forth
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