How Serious Do You Take Tournament Poker?

PC69

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Do you take it serious? I thought I did. When did I realize that I wasn’t taking it serious.? Not when I was losing. But when I won my first tournament in a long long time.

I wanted to take a moment away from the game of poker playing and jot down a few of my thoughts that ran through my head before this specific tournament and whats been going on in this messed up mind of mine since..

Some may not agree with this and some may. But as poker players we go through a period where we are bots and we do what we are “supposed” to do rather than what we “feel” we should do. I was losing everything. I mean absolutely everything. In this situation , I firmly believe a lot of us think that we are supposed to stop playing. You cant lose more money if your not putting it in the pot right? As of late I felt like instead of stopping playing I was gonna play more.

The first tournament I sat down at was a $2.20 Rebuy turbo. I wanna just touch base on my mind set when I sat down with. This is the same mindset the great players at CC have. I’ am a good player. I’ am probably better than 95% of this entire field. I’ am going to prove it. I’ am going to prove it by winning. I’ am not gonna re-buy constantly like I’ve done in the past. I am not gonna take chances because it’s a re-buy and if I lose I can still have another shot to win. I’am gonna re-buy initially and take the add-on. Regardless of this being the right or wrong strategy I honestly felt inside of me that this was gonna work. As a human we all have personal tendencies we would like to change. Mine is sticking to what I know is the right thing to do and actually doing it. It truly is a fight within my own mind. So before this game I had a plan and was determined to not only stick to this plan but to actually win with it.

Well needless to say, It worked. I won first place. Well a lot of people including myself will say “Hey even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then right?” Nothing could be more true.

So I decided, lets try this again. Lets try another micro tournament. Lets try focusing and going into this game the same way I just did this last tournament. With a plan. It’s ok by me if I lose to a suck out. Its ok by me if I lose with KK<AA. But no matter what I’ am going to stick with this plan. I’ am not gonna let some guy sitting behind his monitor pushing with ATC get me to a point mentally where I’ am frustrated and I deviate away from the plan.

Couple hours later, I had finished fourth place out of a big field.

Impressive? Probably not in the large scheme of things. It’s only two tournaments. Was I more ecstatic about it than I’ve ever been in my entire poker playing time? You bet your ass I was.

But lets be realistic folks. No person can keep winning constantly in tournament poker. But we can all try.

Since those two back to back tournaments, I’ve cashed in others as well. Bubbled the final table of a micro Omaha tournament yesterday for not a big profit, but a profit non the less. Last night stepped up in buyins and took my first crack at a $10 45 Man MTT. I sat down with a plan. The same mindset that I’ve had lately. Just over two hours later I had won again. Now there’s tournaments mixed in between these folks where I’ve lost, gone deep and haven’t cashed. So what’s the point I’ am trying to make?

The point I’ am trying to make is this.

Sure we all enter a tourney to win. But do you take it serious? Do you think your more determined than your opponents.? Who wants it more? In my opinion there’s a line between thinking your taking the tournament serious and actually preparing your mind for that game and sticking with the plan you’ve preset for yourself before hand #1.

I’ am no match for the majority of poker players here on Cardschat. I’ am writing this as personal motivation for me. I may not win another tournament in the next year. But each and every one I sit at from now on I will have the mindset that I’ am gonna take it serious. I will sit down with a plan. I wont let myself get away from that plan regardless of what happens.

I thought I always took poker serious. Honestly I did. But it wasn’t till I stepped back for a second, thought about what I was doing and came back with a plan, did I realize that all these years that I have been playing, I haven’t taken it remotely serious. I can only say that because the way Ive been approaching things mentally is a complete 360 from where I was before.

So this is my first real thought I’ve ever wrote down and put here on CC. I will use it as a motivational piece when I’ am running bad, because we all know as poker players that it will happen..

Thanks for reading Cardschatters. This site and its members are truly the only reason I continue to play poker.
 
Normand
 
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Mase31683

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nh man, lot of truth in this post. Keep that focus, and keep those cashes coming.
 
fletchdad

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Thank you for this post. I wont get into a long typing session here, but I could relate to your thought process here. I have just gone through the worst downswing in my relatively short poker life. And I was ready to quit. Surely I must just suck and was fooling myself by thinking otherwise. Then I got off my pity-pot and played determined and was ITM 5 outa 6 games. (BTW, I probably do suck, but I am getting better). Anyway, I found your post inspirational, and GL to you. I also take much encouragement and joy by being here in CC!!
 
Sean Pilgrim

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It is motivating! I'm glad to see you run so deep in so many of these. As many say "There's a Method to my Madness." That goes for all people regardless of their profession, hobby, or lifestyle. Seeing you do so well recently I want to know how you do it. I want to consistently run deep and deeper and deeper in these tourneys. But, I can't find my mojo.

I know there are tourneys where we run deep in and bust out close to the money but we've all been there. I've watched you play and I know you don't use a HUD. Even today I saw you about to double up through another big stack but he sucked out on you with like A7o and took down the 26k+ pot. But, that happens and it's things like that that drive some of us (ie: me) insane when playing big field MTTs.

Don't get me wrong I go into a MTT with aspirations and dedication and play my best as much as possible always with 1st place in my mind. It's just so difficult sometimes and even if I play my A game, my best large field MTT finish was 85th in the $200K Double Deuce for $214. Although the deep run in the 22k player field felt good, the small cash was not enough for me.

I thrive on competition, I want to be better than everyone I sit with. (incomplete thought)

anyway, I wish you the best of luck from here on out and hopefully I can find myself taking down that 1st place finish in a large MTT and consistently getting to the final table (or as close to it as possible) too.
 
Tammy

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Nice post Norm. It's a simple concept that I forget sometimes. I'll sign up for a SNG or MTT on a whim, when really I am too tired, or don't really have the time to commit to it. I've read on here somewhere sometime that everything you do in a hand, you should always plan ahead: why am I raising/betting? what is my next move?, etc. It stands to reason that you should have a plan at the very onset, before you even register for a game.
 
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Nice post

Well from what I know of you pc you tend to let your emotions rule you a bit at the table which I think has held you back somewhat. This sounds like a first massive step step in beating that and letting your ability work.

Actually I was just thinking of withdrawing all my br and calling it a day but this post has made me reconsider or at least postpone it because it hits so close to home.

Very nice post.
 
PattyR

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Fantastic post bud!!

First point i'd like to touch base with you on. Mid way through you state that your no match for the poker players here on CC..i beg to differ..you have some madddd skillzzz on the poker table my friend...whether you think you do or not but considering the times you have withdrawn money should tell you a littl something.

Second point is that this concept is something maybe i need to apply when i start a tournament...i mean i thought i took it serious...but when i reallly think about it i dont take many tournaments serious at all, especially the micro tournies with like 4 - 8K ppl..i just figure there is no way in hell im going to win let alone hit the final table so instead of coming up with and sticking with a play...i dick around and try to double up quick ...if i dont so what i lost 2 or 3 bucks...WRONG THINKING NOW BRI BRI....were gonna read this post EVERYTIME i start a tournament and we are gonna see what big things we can achieve if i set my mind straight.

again nice post my friend
 
bullishwwd

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I can certainly understand where you are coming from as I have experienced the same thing and what you stated seemed to be my own thought process...it is just not that easy to remain focused like you have stated. Motivational post mate and encouraging and reinforcing for me. Thanks fot the post, Wally
 
IveGot0uts

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Very nice Norm. I've recently has a similar experience in my cash game play of taking shit properly seriously and benefitting for it. Its why I've been kind of MIA from here for a while. I found that I was using forum time as a way to procrastinate and not take my poker work seriously.

Your post comes at a perfect time for me, as I've been slacking a little bit the past week in the face of some painful runbad, and letting it get to me. I'm on pace to make SN this year playing 50NL easily if I keep my head on straight. I'm so glad that you had the epiphany too. Especially in your life now, I'm sure some poker going well will be a big help with the $$$$.

Stick with making sure you take your game seriously and you will see much better returns, and remember we can always think better about things. I know you don't use a HUD, but I would say maybe copy and paste HH's to a notepad doc whenever you're not sure if you were optimal, or especially if you just felt kind of lost in a hand. That was a big thing for me keeping my mental edge sharp, review them after and then if you still don't know, post it or talk to someone.

Keep killing it, and I guess I'm going to get pidgin so I can use all the various chat platforms. I still think you're a massochist for being a tourney player though:)
 
KingCurtis

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I’ am no match for the majority of poker players here on Cardschat

I like the article PC, but the sentence above confuses me? With all this positive, optimpistic talk you still have a neg point. I think confidence could boost you even farther in to winning, wether it be against the players in an mtt or your friends here. Try to take EVRYthing negative out of the picture and your BR will show Positive :)

btw you are a match against many here
 
Worak

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I'm so glad you found your game plan Normand - btw I always knew that you had great ability but most of the time at some point of the tourney you cracked up.:rolleyes:

Next step is to turn 180° ;) and continue heading into the right direction.

I can't play much atm and when I'm doing ok at it- but your great post will be a great motivation for many members including me.

I envy you a bit that you have time for mtts and I haven't :eek:.

I'll BB though.....:eek:.

Congrats again and gl in your next games.
 
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Wow, lots of long responses.

Just wanting to say besides taking it very serious, one has to do the extra. Besides notes on other players be sure to keep notes on yourself including every dollar. Once I learn my mind was thinking different to reality it became manatory. I now fully expect and usually do cash. Knowing I am on the edge of 100K yearly I am extremely serious.
 
natsgrampy

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Great post Norm, is that really you? LOL. You have become................."the little engine that could."

These are the moments in our "poker lives" that propel us to the next level.

Keep these thoughts in mind and soldier on. Soon you will be moving to bigger and better aspirations.

I have a friend I play poker with when I visit Boston. He is 21 years old and been playing poker online and live at Seabrook, NH. since he was 18. For the first 1 1/2 years he played wrecklessly. He would deposit $100 and proceed to lose it all. He had lost about $8500 in that year and a half. He did everything he was supposed to, read books, took notes, bought software to help. Not until he finally said F-that it's time to get serious, did he become a winning player.

He moved to Las Vegas last week and plans on playing in most of the wsop games. He is already registered in the ME.

This is a goal you can set for yourself now that you have a great frame of mind.

Again, Great post and keep up the good work.

George
 
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I can really relate to your post. You really have to take every tournament seriously. Theres been times where i sit down and get a bad beat and just give up, this is when what you are talking about comes into play.

At the FT too, you already made good money and your tired and you wanna shove ATC and get it over with because your SS. You have to stay serious. Fold big hands wait for your chance, stay motivated. Dont settle for anything less then first.


Saving this thread. Ty.
 
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ythelongface

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i really appreciate you posting this.. lately, i have been just getin frustrated, aggravated, and feeling like nothing i do is the right thing. .i have to say after reading this, i have stepped back, thought things over, and decided to do what you suggest in your post. i have only played a couple tourneys since reading it(still in one) and it has opened my eyes. its easy to lose your focus, and your purpose when your playin most if not every day. toss in some downswing, and voila! your on your way to tilt city. again, im sure this will be a big help to a lotta folks. thanks for posting it.:cool:
 
SavagePenguin

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Poker is a constant learning experience. I'm glad thing are working out for you, PC69.

I hope your hot streak continues.
 
slycbnew

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Excellent post. Mindset is so critical to success at the game - even if you're not on a mind-numbing tilt, not playing your A game for whatever reason is a form of tilt.

wp
 
S93

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Good post.
Having the correct mindset while playing is just as a important or maybe even more important then things like BRM ,but, alot of people ignore it.

Hope you can keep up the run good but just remember that having a good mindset its obvs important when running/playing good its much more important when things aint going your way.
Since thats the time that the "wrong" additute can really add to your loses.
 
PC69

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Tyvm folks for the feedback. Its much appreciated.
 
WVHillbilly

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Ha. I opened this thread to say that I don't take tourney seriously at all. If I play in one I'm usually bored to death within a few blind levels and I'm out to get all my chips in the middle as quickly as possible.

But after reading the OP I can see exactly what you're getting at here PC. I mean I go into any tournament I play KNOWING that I'm just going to lose a flip or whatever sooner or later and be pissed so what's the point in trying. Probably not the best mindset!

Glad you found your way of getting your head on straight and getting in the "zone" before you start. I still hate tournaments though. :)
 
buckster436

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its a very good post,, if poker is a part time thing you dont have to be so serious, But, if poker is making you money and your pretty serious, then take it Serious,, i do so so at poker, more of something to do for me, i been gambling a long long time and made some decent money and also lost a lot cause i would get drunk and play,, thats a No,No, i learned the hard way,,, keep at it PC, seems like you do ok to me,, buck:cool:
1 other thing,> if you treat playing poker like a job, you`ll play better, after all, you wouldnt want to be a sloppy roofer, would you,,lol:eek: :)
 
JoeShowdown

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Norm, I also believe your mindset is important and so do Hellmuth, Esfandiari, etc who are paying big bucks to the mindset coach Sam Chauhan. I'm sure you place 4th in the 2nd tourney last sunday because you were playing confidently and I know this isn't or shouldn't be true, but I believe some days the site is out to get you or will constantly reward you. For example, the day I posted the rush poker brag thread about starting with 50 bucks and going up to 600 was really sick. I flopped sets so often it was funny. My mantra is to be confident in your showdowns which allows me to not be scared to shove because even if I do get called I'll have at least 10 pct chance to win if its acerag vs AA :eek: If you think you're gonna get coolered or sucked out on then you will. Aggression pays off.

I'm guilty of playing on autopilot in the tourneys and playing more games at once than I should. However, I do look back at the hand histories during the game when I'm involved in a big decision. Fulltilt and stars make that easy to do while some others like bodog makes it impractical.
 
fletchdad

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Played 4 more since my last reply to your post, 1 out of 4 ITM and just barely... like last place paid...grrrrr.

I really appreciate your post here and need to keep appreciating your point here...Mindset.... After arrogantly posting my winning streak, at least 2 of my 3 pre-bubble defeats since were due to "shit, Im puttin to that bastard..."

Thanks again for your thoughts here, I need to re read this b4 I play again.....
 
Divebitch

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An excellent thoughtful post. Pretty meaty stuff, and you touch on a lot of intangible aspects of one's play that are difficult to articulate. Not only difficult to articulate, but even difficult to identify within my own self.

I find that anything I put money into, I take rather seriously, freerolls notsomuch, and perhaps that should stop, like a bad habit. It also depends on the freeroll. In the donkfests, usually not at all. In the CC's a lot more, because not only is there more $ to be won, but I care more about not looking like an idiot.

But basically, that's why I so infrequently enter the CC NLHE $ events. I don't feel confident, although I've cashed in probably my share or almost. But you play enough donkfests, and you begin to believe you lose because you suck. And of course, that defeatist attitude ingrains itself even when you are now playing better players, like here.

That said, I do agree that having a positive winning attitude helps a lot, but not sure how to get it with greater frequency. Back to NLHE, I know I'm not terrible at it. But when I start playing a game that I feel I'm better at, like HORSE, O8, Badugi, I usually start out feeling superior to everyone of the 'donkeys' at the table. :laugh: And I am a winner player. So which came first, the chicken or the egg?

It's sort of a double-edged sword to take a game seriously. If you don't, you have a handy excuse for losing, not to mention doing nothing to improve your losing game. If you do take it seriously, and still lose, you feed that defeatist, loser self-prophecy. But bottom line, it is better in the longrun to take each game seriously, learn from your mistakes, and the win rate will take care of itself.

Great food for thought, Norm. Perhaps these thoughts on your recent success has taught me how not to approach any game, namely in haste, and a 'whatever happens happens' attitude. Keep up the good work! :D
 
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