Posts Tagged ‘Poker Mindset’
PokerStars Hosts Women Qualifiying Events for USLPC
August 12th, 2010 | 
Author: 
PokerStars qualifying events start today for the US Ladies Poker Championship (USLPC), which is scheduled for September 4-5, 2010, at the Golden Nugget Casino Grand Ballroom in Downtown Las Vegas. Read the rest of this entry »
Every Poker Action is a Business Decision
Today one of my poker-coaching clients emailed me about cashing in a micro poker tournament freeroll on a small online site where we are affiliates. She put the "Laughed Out Loud" shorthand after her message… suggesting that the win meant very little because the payout was insignificant.This was my response to her: Read the rest of this entry »
Poker ABCs – E is for Energy
Everything is energy. From science to science fiction, most people now get it, and paying attention to your energy at the poker table may be a surefire way to stop losing and start playing winning poker. Read the rest of this entry »
Poker Minds Turn to the WSOP
"At the 2007 Main Event, Day 1, first hand, Evelyn Ng sat to my immediate left… Ah crap! comes to mind." Donna Blevins
This time of year, poker minds turn to the World Series of Poker®. Whether this is your first or 15th time playing, you likely have the same nagging question in your mind. Read the rest of this entry »
Change Your Mind, Change Your Poker
Just posted this on Facebook in response to someone talking about worry:
"Winning at poker is about learning how to deal with loses and failure… what are the lessons within a loss, and what are the blessings?"
Blessings in a loss… you may say I am a crazy women! Read the rest of this entry »
What is Your Greatest Poker Challenge?
One of the new members of my Poker Pure & Simple™ 8-week live, poker training program is playing in a major poker championship this weekend. In preparation for the tournament, last night I asked her to answer one question instantly with whatever came to mind:My greatest challenge during the tournament will be staying disciplined and only playing premium hands. Then, if I lose with a premium hand, not getting on tilt. That can leave me feeling defeated, especially if I lose a big pot.
My Response:
What you're telling me is that your biggest challenge is mindset.
You told me that I'm sitting on your shoulder whispering, "When you can't raise, you can't call!"
Here is your second whisper:
"Stay in the Moment."
Regardless of where you are in the poker tournament, focus on making the correct decisions… not just some of the time, not just part of the time, but all the time.
You already know how to make correct decisions. You have proven that. You have earned your way into this poker championship by making correct decisions.
The key is that correct decisions come for staying in the moment.
Tilting is simply a case of staying in the past and being judgmental about how you acted. Even if that action took place only a split second ago, it is still The Past. It is not The Now.
It's the "Should'uvs" and "If only's" that will defeat you, not the cards.
You already know what and how to play. When you stay in the moment, it is easy to trust your instincts and your read on the situation.
Ask yourself over, and over again, "Why do I always make the correct action at the poker table?"
Your subconscious then searches for answers that reinforce the fact that you always make the correct action, rather than searching for reasons why you do not. That strengthens you and serves to raise your confidence in your decision-making abilities.
When you ask empowering Why Questions, your subconscious mind will do the rest.
Until next time, just as she has, remember my motto:
If you can't raise, don't call!
PS: I am dedicating this post to my poker coaching clients, who honored me by allowing me to share their journey with them.
Poker Coaching plus Mindset equals Winning Poker
Recently, during a meet and greet at church, a man hugged me and whispered in my ear. "Hey coach, next week, I'm playing in a tournament to win my entry into the World Series of Poker® main event. Do you think I can do it?"
My internal reaction was, "It doesn't matter what I think, what matters is what you think."
What came out was, "Good for you! Go for it!"
Later during a break, he asked again, "Do you think I can."
When I hesitated, he was more insistent, "Do you think I can?"
I smiled and softly said, "It all depends."
When his face fell, I said, "I know you have what it takes. You are smart and physically fit, but it is just like any other sport, it depends on your feedback system, guidance, and direction. It depends on how determined you are to learning all the aspects of poker. It depends on where the holes are in your game and your commitment to being honest with yourself. "
Poker is like an iceberg, what you see is only a tiny part of the game.
There are three distinct parts of playing winning poker: the physical game, the mind game, and the deeper inner game.
The physical game is apparent and what most training programs teach. How to play this hand or that hand in what position. How to figure your raises to increase the likelihood of your opponents giving up their hand. How and when to bluff. When it makes sense to move all in. How to determine your pot odds.
The physical game has many layers, but it is definable. It is necessary but relatively clear-cut. It is left-brain information with boxes where you tidy up your poker strategy.
Please understand me clearly. I am not underestimating the value of the physical game. It is a critical part of winning poker. It is necessary and a must do. It is one of the areas of winning poker and a vital part of my method of poker coaching. However, it is just the beginning.
Donna Blevins
Poker Coach
"I focus on helping you learn winning poker while improving your life."
Poker Coach
"I focus on helping you learn winning poker while improving your life."
