Inside the Mindset of the Poker Pros

Although poker is a game of skill, it’s also a game of luck. Even the best pro players have suffered heavy losses at some points in their careers. However, to stay at the top, they’ve had to learn how to deal with those losses and maintain mental discipline.

But how do they do this?

Let’s dive deep into the mindset of poker pros.

Managing Finances

Pro players may chip in large amounts of money, especially when playing in high-stakes tournaments, but they also prioritise financial management to ensure losses don’t affect their everyday life. They keep a close eye on their finances at all times, which allows them to focus on strategy and performance without the added stress of financial strain. This is something casual players can implement as well to reduce stress and pressure. Playing at fast withdrawal casinos allows them to collect their money whenever they want and always have a clear picture of how much money there is in their bank accounts.

Taking Time Off

When experiencing a long losing streak, pro players often take some time off and play less poker. They know that chasing after losses won’t get them anywhere and that taking a brief pause from the game allows a reset. It gives them time to gather their thoughts and continue playing at their best. Pro players also say that the best time to get back into the game is when you forget about your lost hand. There are also other reasons to take time off. The great Garrett Adelstein said that there were times when he had to step back even after achieving all of his financial goals.

Analysing Their Game

What separates pro players from casual fans of the game is that they always reflect on each hand they play. When the day is over, they look for places where they could’ve done something else that would either reduce their losses or completely turn the game around. Then they focus on implementing anything they’ve learned the next time they sit at a poker table. Although casual players don’t do this often, it’s now easier than ever to track and analyse your game as there are apps like GTO Wizard that can do all the work for you.

Being a Good Loser

It’s easy to understand the rage pro players experience when they suffer heavy losses in tournaments. However, you’ll rarely see the best among them exhibit this frustration. They already know that losing is a natural part of the game which allows them to maintain perspective. They also show good sportsmanship by congratulating their opponents and recognising their skills. Not focusing on the anger that comes naturally, they can also put themselves in the right spot to analyse their game carefully and learn from their mistakes.

The Bottom Line

Losing is a natural part of not only poker, but life. And although even the best players occasionally lose, they’ve mastered the art of bouncing back and learning from their mistakes. Learning how to do this may be even more important than winning as it puts the player in the right spot to continue improving and achieving success.