10 Characteristics of a Successful Poker Player

steveiam

steveiam

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Hi got this from the Titan Poker site,thought it might be of interest.



Be aggressive in poker

It takes skill to come away from the poker table a winning player, for sure, but there are other characteristics that mark a successful poker player. We’re convinced that these attributes are common to the best poker players, both at live poker tables and also among those who specialize in online poker. Do you think you’ve got what it takes to succeed in poker? Take a look below at our list of the top 10 characteristics of a successful poker player.

Disciplined = The most successful poker players know when to stick to their guns and when to throw in the towel. You won’t win every hand, and you should know when you’re outwitted. Just keep at the game according to your long-term strategy, not letting a bad deal of the cards distract you. If your opponents are well-matched to your own skills, a little discipline could be the difference between a loss and a win at the end of the night.

Focused = You have to keep your eye on the game and pay attention at all time. Don’t let the television, the banter at the table, the music that you’re listening to, or Internet browsing interfere with your concentration. Successful players don’t let anything get in the way of their gameplay.

Prepared = When you sit down at the poker table, you have to be ready to play cards, both mentally and physically. When you’re not playing your best, you’ll end up losing. When you take your seat, you need to clear your mind from other worries. It helps to come to the table fully rested and fed.

Fearless = The majority of successful poker players have downswings, but they keep moving forward. You must be willing to take big risks and deal with a losing hand now and then while you keep moving up the ladder.

Aggressive = Similar to being fearless, you can’t let others control the action at the table. You need to be willing to demonstrate your abilities, and even bluff when necessary, to make sure you’re the leader, not the follower in the game. Make bold moves when the time is right, and your bankroll will grow as a result.

Ambitious = Poker players continue to improve when they keep striving against the odds. It’s from mistakes that you’ll learn your most valuable lessons. Instead of viewing a loss as a defeat, take it as an opportunity to grow and refine your skill.

Control Emotions = A good poker player knows he has to keep his emotions in check. Any outward signals of stress or worry will tip your opponents off that you don’t have a stellar hand. Keep yourself calm and collected to avoid giving away your position. Control yourself from demonstrating a reaction to your cards, and you’ll end up controlling the game.

Adaptable = The best poker players go with the flow. If you don’t end up with the ideal hand you were seeking, you have to be quick on your feet to come up with the next best scenario. One slip and you’ll lose out on a hand you should have won. You must be able to change gears at a moment’s notice, taking advantage of your opponents based on their gaming habits.

Be Patient = Live poker will seem like a slow game to players who honed their skills online. But it doesn’t matter where you play, as you need to patiently wait out a string of bad cards. The good cards will come to those who wait and don’t act foolishly while they wait.

Cheerful= Remember, at the end of the day, it’s only a game. Don’t get caught up in an opponent beating you on a single hand. Starting fights over a game is lame. The game of poker should be fun. While you can make a lot of money if you’re good, you should still enjoy yourself while you play. Don’t let the attitudes and actions of your opponents get under your skin.
As you can see, poker isn’t only a game of strategy and outsmarting your opponents, it’s an opportunity to challenge yourself and have a little fun. Take it seriously, always strive for improvement, and enjoy the ride while you’re at it. If you concentrate on playing your A game, you’ll find your way to the top.


 
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JUDGE1018

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Yeah ,all its saying is u havta b a grinder.
 
snklzona

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Great post thank you for putting it up...was aware of all but cool to see them altogether like that...I think patience should be 1st...
 
gobthemagician

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If you guys had to rank them, which would be at the top of your list?

I'd say adaptable - it covers a pretty large spectrum of situations.
 
bezobrazny

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I just need few more characteristics LoL, 1st control of my emotions and the 2nd to be more patient. Whenever I do that, I place high in tournaments or I take the money in cash game.
 
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Cooking

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I definitely need to have a lot more of discipline and emotional control. I think if I had both of them, I would win a lot more than I win nowadays.
 
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Dyabetix

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Being aggressive can be hard at times, this something I could be better at. Its hard to stay invested in a pot when you think someone else has the nuts!
 
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postflopper

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Discipline will definitely top my list. Not just for the purpose of playing poker, but in bankroll management.
 
urzana

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Thanks to the author for the article! All listed properly! Only patience is not always enough!
 
arjun7890

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Totally agreed. Not only in poker, but everything you do in life these characterstics are necessary. :)
 
valientone

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Pretty Solid list I'd say.. adaptable is probably the most important, because in really having the ability to adapt means you already have all of the other necessary skills.. Being able to tell a lost opponent from a tight one can be one of your greatest tools , once implemented with the other aspects.
 
wagon596

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Very good read,, Thanks for the thread. Saw several areas that I need to work on.
 
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mjg1986

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yes thanks for this! helps me think about ways too improve my game and is a pretty dead on top 10 list.
 
steveiam

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I think patience is where a lot of people go wrong,they end up playing to many marginal hands instead of waiting for the right hands
 
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JohnnyTzar

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great.. hope to improve my caracteristics and that my bankroll vill folow..
nice post!
 
Rappyness

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Sounds about right! Patience is definitely an issue especially when nothing is happening and you want to start action!
 
jhonebone40

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The most successful poker players know when to stick to their guns and when to throw in the towel. You won’t win every hand, and you should know when you’re outwitted. Just keep at the game according to your long-term strategy, not letting a bad deal of the cards distract you. If your opponents are well-matched to your own skills, a little discipline could be the difference between a loss and a win at the end of the night.[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]

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denchik0712

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Discipline is the key to success in everything! it is not for nothing is the first in this list!
 
Poker Orifice

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I think patience is where a lot of people go wrong,they end up playing to many marginal hands instead of waiting for the right spots
fyp (goes along with 'adaptable')
 
bezobrazny

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Good player always have a huge bankroll.
 
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PotluckXXI

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UGH

We all got our demons and mine is alcohol, poker is soooo boring. So when I drink I play, and I roll until I've had too much then I loose it all. Same MO all the time, killer poker then stupid maniac.
 
TrailerPark

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I really appreciate this post i know i need to apply 9 of the 10 characteristics if im going to be the poker player i know i can be,im just a work in progress. Btw the one i dont need to work on is being cheerful,the bud takes care of that for me;)
 
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