10 Ways to Lose at Poker (4)

In earlier articles we looked at three sure fire ways to lose at poker. These were:

* Failing to gain an understanding of the personality of the people against whom we are playing

* Failing to take due account of poker statistics

* Giving too much away about ourselves

Whilst developing these themes we also pointed out that it was no disadvantage to have qualifications in psychology, particle physics, and at least some acting experience even if this fell below attending RADA. We must emphasise however that these are not necessities. All that is needed is an interest in what makes other people tick, a good knowledge of poker card play along with the ability to do a little mental arithmetic, and the ability to keep ourselves to ourselves.

The fourth sure fire way to lose at poker is to get drunk. You don't even need to get very drunk; just a little drunk will do it. One of the major reasons why getting drunk is so detrimental to our poker playing abilities is that even if we get just a little teeny weenie bit drunk, the three items bulleted above will immediately go out of the window.

If they just went out of the window quietly, it might not matter. It might just put us back to the situation we were at before we read part 1 of this series of articles. The problem is that it is far more serious than that. Although they will have tiptoed out of the window, we will not be aware of that fact. Let me say that again. We will not be aware of the fact that they have gone. Rather than realising that we are no longer in control, we will believe ourselves to be even more in control than ever we were. We will believe that we have developed a deep psychological insight, that our card play is truly amazing, and that we are giving nothing away. This is a fearful combination of mistakes.

Just because Hollywood often depicts poker players as drunks doesn't mean it is correct. Stay sober and win the game, especially if the rest of them are imbibing.

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