Playing poker is a complicated thing for many people. I know it is for me! As a guitarist, I tend to draw comparisons between the two, as both are based on 1) Math, 2) Position 3) Timing, and 4) Practice, Practice, Practice. Leave out any one of these ingredients, the cake tastes like “Skunk Pie”. On the “flip side” of that coin, it does something to your head when you know you’re “doing it right”. You have a sense of pride and confidence that will fuel you, drive your game to new heights. Same goes for the guitar or any other endeavor requiring discipline and passion.
A friend of mine, and quite possibly the best guitarist I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing with once told me, “I spent 10 years learning ‘Theory’ and the next 10 years trying to forget it”. This made perfect sense to me. It’s a “Catch 22” situation though…that “10 years learning ‘Theory’” is what gives him the ability to play from his heart, without having to think about it. Whether we learn Theory through practical application, like a lot of great guitarists who can’t read a lick of music, or studying the “Cycle of Thirds” until we develop carpal tunnel syndrome and a migraine, fundamentals are fundamentals.
The same goes for POKER. The fundamentals are so, so important! There wouldn’t be nearly so many “Bad Beat Blogs” if the fundamentals were understood and practiced. Now, I’m not saying “Bad Beats” don’t happen...that’s part of the game. I could write 3 per day, if I wanted to.
But by studying the game…really studying it…we’re able to learn and internalize the fundamentals. We learn that raising our AA three times the big blind doesn’t scare off the suited connectors and we also learn to fold them when we know we’ve been out-flopped or outdrawn (sometimes). Nothing is guaranteed in poker. By understanding our odds (hand strength, drawing odds, pot odds, implied odds, etc) to the best of our ability, paying attention to our position, and practicing, practicing, practicing, by default we develop better timing at the poker table.
Also, pick the brains and search the blogs of every good player you know. I have my list of players, but I subscribe to “blog notices” from TopCat and a few others for “meat and potatoes” poker theory. Who knows, if you pick these good players’ brains, you might also gain some good "intel" on how to beat themJ.
I appreciate you taking the time to read.
© Copyright 2009
12 comments
As far as bad beats we should all look at them as variance not bad or good luck. You can do everything right and still lose but over a period of time in the same situation you will walk away ahead.
Good Blog hun, I hope people not only take the time to read it, but will actually apply it to their poker game.
I know I too learn alot from many of the players we have on here. TC, Bigpoppaboats, Ironman, A55a55in , and many more railbirds here that are willing to share and help people better their game. Just have a look at some of the blogs they have written. Wonderful and full of insight and knowledge for a player on any level.
Thanks again for the blog. GL on the felt!
Nice Blog RH!!! It got me thinking, hehe, then I want to forget it so it just comes natural, as you said. It reminds me so much in life and the teachings we receive. We seem to forget them and then we realize that we have put them into practice all along in whatever we do.
GL on the felt, my friend.
this might help others with the fundamentals as well
and thanks for the props M!!
I missed it for addition to the guide.....
Alas...that happens far too often these days
David
Good post! Thanks
Excellent blog !.... You speak the truth here, the basics never go away from the game, we just learn how to enhance them over time !....Thanks for the props, always glad to see my blogs have helped someone !
....Topcat....