Poker Rewards: Selective Aggression
Reject Normalcy
Normal isn’t a virtue. It’s a lack of poker courage. Being “normal” means avoiding tension, but in poker, you must seek it. Normal people dodge crises; poker players create them. In NLH, you plan for crisis to eliminate failure. Monotony is death—seek upheaval and drama instead.
Make Poker an Experience
NLH isn’t about fun; it’s an experience. It’s not a sport; it’s a concussion! Good poker is less “A-ha” and more “Holy-shit.” This book is your helmet and pads in a full-contact sport. The more contact you make, the more you win.
The Power of Aggression
You can’t play safe. Playing within your means shows a lack of imagination. Aggression makes you money. NLH rewards aggression—it’s the fuel of domination. When everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough. Due to community cards, Hold'em is all about domination—hands that crush opponents.
Aggression has a cost. You must risk losing to win and use discipline to avoid being outplayed. You can’t control luck, but you can master skill. Playahs look for opportunities, not guarantees. This isn’t amateur hour; this is gambling. Life is risk—dream with your eyes open.
Pressure Creates Diamonds
Aggression creates pressure, and pressure makes diamonds. Winning consistently is possible, and you deserve it. But poker doesn’t give what you deserve—it gives what you negotiate. Be ready to negotiate risk.
Betting Over Calling
In NLH, betting beats calling. Betting lets you win with a better hand or force folds. Calling only wins if you’re already ahead. Betting sets pot odds and controls play; calling accepts others’ terms. Tight-passive players can survive in Limit but struggle in No-Limit. If arrested for aggression, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
Harness Aggression
The gambling world is a kindergarten of misplaced blocks. You need "T"—testosterone—and "A"—aggression. But any toddler can throw a fit. NLH is about controlling aggression and harnessing it for wins. Kindergarten lessons won’t cut it.
The antidote to anger is patience. Yet patience’s opposite—aggression—also wins. This paradox defines NLH. The game isn’t either-or; it’s “and.” It’s 100% skill and 100% luck. Poker speaks the language of “and”—passive and active, optimistic and materialistic, hard and soft. It’s fuzzy logic. Get sharp about the fuzzy.
Fluidity Wins
To win, be fluid and formless like water. Control the options—make others play the cards you mentally deal. Keep them in suspense—be unpredictable. Create a psychological placebo effect: "I shall please."
Transform Your Perspective
Changing perspective reshapes your game. Dramatic moments—like hitting a miracle river—can transform you. Such experiences shift dimensions, expanding your poker mind by a Power of 10.