Right Now

All IN Works Everytime But Once



The Power of Paradoxical Thinking in NLH Poker

The Possibility of Sudden Significant Change in Your Game

The Secret is about the law of attraction and results—the secret of poker is the complete opposite!

The way to get better is to think about process, not results—focus on better decision-making and ignore short-term results. This is extremely hard to do because neurons that wire together fire together—that’s the essence of poker. Having fun. In fact, it’s not about winning or losing any one hand, but excelling and having an “experience.”

There’s a wonderful phrase in Gladwell’s Blink—“the power of thin slicing”—which says that as human beings, we are capable of making sense of situations based on the thinnest slice of experience.

That’s what I mean about the difference between having fun and “having an experience”—pure house games like blackjack and slots, versus poker. NLH is not just a “sport,” it’s a concussion. The difference between lightning and a lightning bug.

Hello, My Name Is—“I’m All In”—When Bad Things Happen to Good Decisions

Bad playing (making the right mistake) can get “rewarded” 100% of the time on ANY one hand. This kind of poker—PUSH and PRAY—is not a user-friendly game, rather a user-illusionary one because "lucky" players will always have worse cards than you, and will draw out, even if there’s one card in the deck they need, and they may very well get it. Getting your money in good, only to get sucked out, is a fact of NLH. Chips are overhead, bad beats the cost of doing business against random reDONKulous decisions.

For these types of absolute novices, everything is even money. The idea is to defeat that concept, making, for instance, balanced decisions—correlating the size of the pot to the strength of your hand.

Nevertheless, when you treat No Limit Holdem as a game of chance instead of skill, it is not a law of probability, it’s a fact for games with the “F” fun factor—you may have great expectations, but you will get negative ones. Risk of ruin is 100%! That’s the difference between gambling and betting.

Poker Philosophy

Focus on Process, Not Results

The secret to improving at poker isn’t about focusing on individual wins or losses but on my decision-making process. It's about skill over chance. Sure, bad beats may happen, but what matters most is consistently making the right decisions—focusing on the journey rather than the immediate outcome.

The Paradox of Poker

Poker is a game that balances both skill and luck. I like to think of it as “100% skill and 100% luck.” Every hand has its mix of both elements: there’s the randomness of the cards dealt, but also the skill I bring in how I choose to play them. Understanding that poker isn’t purely about one or the other is what makes it so fascinating and unpredictable.

Thin Slicing and the Power of Experience

Gladwell’s concept of “thin slicing” resonates deeply with me. In poker, it’s all about how quickly I can make decisions based on experience and instinct. I don’t always have all the information, but my ability to process a situation in a split second—the power of experience—is what often makes the difference between success and failure.

Learning Poker vs. Playing Poker

A big mistake many players make is rushing into poker with the idea that they can replicate professional strategies, like those of Gus Hansen. But poker isn’t about copying someone else’s playbook. It’s about adapting to the specific situation and the players at the table. The game isn’t static; it’s dynamic, and so must my approach be.

Commitment and Equity

Understanding equity in a hand is crucial. It’s not just about asking myself whether I’m ahead or behind—it's about knowing my hypothetical share of the pot. Commitment comes from planning around that equity: how I’m going to approach winning with the best hand, or if I'm going to bluff others off the pot. Each hand offers the potential for both paths.

Energy Management

Success in poker isn’t just about time management—it’s about emotional energy. How I manage my energy, stay motivated, and stay inspired is far more important than simply showing up with the “right” approach. I’ve learned that maintaining my energy and focus throughout the session is a huge part of performing well.

The Power of New Thinking

One of the core ideas I embrace is thinking outside the box. I challenge conventional poker wisdom, whether it’s the “tight is right” or “no set, no bet” strategies. I’ve come to believe that poker is an evolving game, and the more I embrace new perspectives, the more adaptable I become. It’s about continuously refining my mindset and my approach to the game.

"Poker is more than just the cards I’m holding. It’s a mental and emotional battle, a blend of strategy, psychology, and the occasional stroke of luck. Mastering poker is not only about improving my skill at reading the table and the hands, but also about mastering myself—my mindset, my emotions, and my adaptability."
Remember: Poker is about evolving your strategy, not following outdated formulas.

Decoding the Paradox of Poker

Decoding the Paradox of Poker

Main Themes

  • The Paradox of Skill and Luck: Poker is presented as a game demanding both 100% skill and 100% luck. While chance dictates the cards dealt, skillful decision-making determines how those cards are played.
  • Focus on Process over Results: Improvement in poker comes from refining the decision-making process, not focusing on short-term wins or losses. "The way to get better is to think about process, not results—focus on better decision-making and ignore short-term results."
  • Adaptability and Evolution: Poker is a dynamic game requiring players to adapt their strategies constantly. Challenging conventional wisdom and embracing new perspectives helps players stay ahead of the curve. "Poker is an evolving game, and the more I embrace new perspectives, the more adaptable I become."

Key Ideas/Facts

  • The Allure of "All IN": While an "all-in" strategy might seem appealing, it's ultimately unsustainable and risky, emphasizing the importance of calculated risk management.
  • The Danger of "PUSH and PRAY": Players who rely solely on luck risk "user-illusionary" success and face a high probability of ruin.
  • The Power of "Thin Slicing": Drawing from Malcolm Gladwell's "Blink," the ability to make quick, informed decisions based on limited information and experience is highlighted.
  • Understanding Equity and Commitment: Knowing one's potential share of the pot (equity) is crucial for aligning betting strategies effectively.
  • Beyond Time Management: Emotional Energy: Managing emotional energy is key to staying motivated and focused during poker sessions.

Notable Quotes

  • "The secret of poker is the complete opposite [of the Law of Attraction]! The way to get better is to think about process, not results."
  • "[NLH is] not just a 'sport,' it's a concussion. The difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
  • "Poker is more than just the cards I’m holding. It’s a mental and emotional battle, a blend of strategy, psychology, and the occasional stroke of luck."

Overall Impression

The blog presents a passionate and insightful perspective on the complexities of poker. It emphasizes a mindset focused on continuous learning, adaptability, and managing the interplay of skill and luck. The author's voice is engaging, using vivid imagery to convey their message effectively.

Q&A

  1. What is the key to getting better at No Limit Hold'em (NLH) poker? The key is focusing on the process, not the results. Concentrate on making sound decisions each hand, regardless of short-term outcomes.
  2. How do skill and luck interplay in NLH poker? Poker blends skill and luck. While chance determines the cards, skill dictates how they’re played. Understanding this duality is essential for long-term success.
  3. What is "thin slicing" in poker, and why is it important? "Thin slicing" involves making quick, accurate judgments based on limited information. It’s vital for success and improves with experience.
  4. Is it a good idea to try to copy the strategies of famous poker players? While learning from pros is helpful, directly copying their strategies isn’t effective. Adapt their techniques to your specific situations and opponents.
  5. What role does equity play in NLH poker? Equity represents your potential share of the pot. Understanding it helps you make informed decisions on betting, raising, or folding.
  6. Besides time management, what's another crucial factor for success in poker? Managing emotional energy is crucial for maintaining focus and avoiding mistakes during sessions.
  7. Should I always stick to established poker strategies? Basic strategies are a foundation, but adaptability is key. Challenge conventional wisdom and experiment to evolve your style.
  8. What is the most important lesson to remember in NLH poker? Poker combines skill, psychology, and luck. Focus on decision-making processes, embrace learning, and adapt strategies to succeed.