How to Play Online Poker Without Ego
There you are playing on Poker Stars like any other day. You
think to yourself "how do I play online poker without an ego".
You pick up a decent hand and flop top pair. Everyone checks to
you and you bet the pot. Then an opponent check-raises and
everyone else folds. Play comes back to you. Based on the little
you have seen this opponent, you put him on top pair top kicker
or a set. But a voice in the back of your head says he's trying
to steal, call him down. Neither the turn nor river improve your
hand, and you call to find you're a loser in the showdown.
You've called off all your chips again. Why? Because players too
often let their egos get in the way of playing solid poker.
My theory is that not all losing players are as bad as they
seem. They may know how to play the majority of the time, but
then their ego and competitiveness cost them big bucks. How many
times have you heard (or said) "I just don't believe my
opponent," or "I know I'm beat but I have to call". Why do you
have to call? Why don't you believe your opponent? Because your
stupid ego gets in the way of playing smart poker. If you try to
win every hand, you're going to lose every session. 2004 World
Series of Poker Champion Greg Raymer doesn't have a problem
laying 'em down, essential for lasting to the final table.
Poker is a mentally exhausting battle of clashes and mind games.
So be ready to focus every minute when playing poker. Notice in
our other articles the concept of making the most money when
your opponent hits, but you hit bigger. The corresponding part
of that strategy is not to be the guy who gets walloped. Don't
pay off your whole bankroll when your top pair is beat by two
pair, or your set is beat by a straight. Don't let the
competitive do-or-die voice in the back of your head turn a
possible winning session into another loser. Don't let your ego
act like a big shot, instead let your cards do the talking. I
think Brad Pitt's advice in Ocean's Eleven said it best, "Leave
emotion at the door". Or, for online players, "Leave emotion at
the keyboard".