Poker ABCs – A is for Action

In POKER, there are five ACTIONS: check, bet, fold, call, and raise.

Whether at the poker table, or in your life, before you decide on what action to take, pause, and ask yourself, "Based on the information at hand at this moment in time, what is my correct action?"

"Correct" is the operative word.

You can certainly see that question on Phil Ivey's face as his eyes dart back and forth, searching his brain for all the pieces of the puzzle that fit that particular hand. Phil is transparent as he searches for the answer to that question, while other players become quiet and still. Regardless, what they have in common is that they take time to decide the correct action.

One beauty of the poker table is that you must take an action before the game can continue. In life, people often become frozen in one spot, afraid to make decision. Even sloppy action is better than perfect stagnation.

If you are ready to take action and move your game to the next level, sign up for my upcoming live poker coaching program: Poker Pure and Simple^tm. It is unique… personalized and customized to your needs, based on your feedback and input.

Whether at the poker table or in life, the next time you are faced with a decision, remember this. Take a moment and move to your center. Breathe in and out. Then, take that next step… Repeat as necessary.

Take my motto to heart:

If you can't raise, don't call!

Donna Blevins
Poker Strategy Coach