How to play without emotion?

[angelamsmith05]

Does anybody really play without emotions? Some just hide it better than others!

 

[TheNutz4You]

I think it is very hard/close to impossible to play with zero emotions. If anyone tells you they do, they are either playing with a bot or lying, period. We are humans and emotions play a large and significant role in our every day lives even outside of poker. Now the players that are able to control their emotions the best, are the ones who will profit in this game long term imo.

 

[Eric Salvador]

Breathe in 6 seconds hold 4 seconds and breath out 6 seconds and repeat until calmer

 

[fastjob]

Try to be 'Zen like'

http://www.oxherding.com/my_weblog/2009/01/zen-and-emotions.html

It is a very deep topic, in poker we do not want to reveal ourselves. In practice it is best to use these thoughts for life. Thanks!

 

[lsbenn]

You can teach yourself breathing techniques to help you control your emotions, but they will always be there. Preparing yourself mentally before playing can help you control emotions. Think about your game and be prepared to play instead of thinking about other things.

 

[fastjob]

I like to listen to jazz music.It really helps me concentrate on the game.And don´t forget to breath in deeply.It helps too.

breathing helps me not to make rash decisions.

You can teach yourself breathing techniques to help you control your emotions, but they will always be there. Preparing yourself mentally before playing can help you control emotions. Think about your game and be prepared to play instead of thinking about other things.

the mind comes first of all really.

 

[infonazar]

I try to be focused on the game to avoid mistakes. I believe that mistakes are the main cause of emotional instability.

 

[FreeDom1998]

To control your emotions - you need to remove all expectations (for example: I have the last money - I need to urgently win - this is an expectation - and if there is an expectation, then you will have a lot of emotions) - Remove your expectations - and you will always be cold-blooded

 

[Dzob]

Without emotions, you can play at the stakes on which you have bankroll. When we play too high, adrenaline and emotions appear.

 

[fastjob]

I try to be focused on the game to avoid mistakes. I believe that mistakes are the main cause of emotional instability.

Difficult to find the balance, but it is necessary for a good game.

 

[fastjob]

To control your emotions - you need to remove all expectations (for example: I have the last money - I need to urgently win - this is an expectation - and if there is an expectation, then you will have a lot of emotions) - Remove your expectations - and you will always be cold-blooded

I have already experienced this not only in poker but also in life.

 

[Shrops]

Hello

I think the longer I play this game the less emotional I seem to get over a bad beat or two. Now, I am pretty much numb to the ups and downs at the poker tables. Good luck !

 

[Poker_Mike]

Excepct math really doesn't work in no limit games.

I'll just price you out of every pot and never go to showdown.

Limit poker is a science, no limit poker is an art.

I absolutely love to play against this type of play in no-limit.

It's a challenge to pick a good spot to play back at his style but it can be very rewarding.

Good luck !

 

[MountHollyDK]

Surprised no one has mentioned this ... just laugh man.

While technically that is an emotion, using humor is always preferable to tossing a fit. Never berate someone for making a bad play as they are doing what you want them to do. Instead laugh at yourself, shrug and move on.

It’ll still sting when you get stung but your blood pressure and your wallet will be better off in the long run.

 

[Leomil]

The much you study the math behind the game and the power of the long run, the less emotional you will become.

 

[JopyJoost]

emotions in poker....bots are taking over????

We were all born with emotions and to be able to shut down these emotions is almost impossible. Yes, I flare up when I lose, as I, like many of us, are competitive. But I have learned to shut it down. If it takes a little longer I will sit out for a few hands just to collect myself. Having said that if the next hand starts and I see I have great pocket cards I will play as seeing these cards gives me hope again and the negative emotions disappear.

Now I heard there are bots out there that have no emotions what so ever playing online poker. Is this fair??? This I believe will ruin online poker for many of us.

What are your thoughts???

 

[Ruminate]

For most of us, our emotions are tied to the current results and for a poker player this often means the current hand. This is a bad idea because results, especially in the short run, can and will lie to you. Just because you won the hand doesn't mean you made a good decision and just because you lost the hand doesn't mean you made a bad decision. There's more to it than that. Thinking about the game as a series of decisions over a long term can help to minimize the emotional roller coaster.

 

[have]

lol

wish i knew . havefunAA

 

[ypiru]

in my opinion, everybody have an emotion playing poker. The heart beating faster when u know that u already won the hand and the other player keeping betting…. and u know that u earn lots of cash.. u just need to hold ur emotions…

 

[TomLok]

when I play in kasyno gry, I am quite balanced. because I will lose a little about money, or I will win a round sum.

 

[fastjob]

We were all born with emotions and to be able to shut down these emotions is almost impossible. Yes, I flare up when I lose, as I, like many of us, are competitive. But I have learned to shut it down. If it takes a little longer I will sit out for a few hands just to collect myself. Having said that if the next hand starts and I see I have great pocket cards I will play as seeing these cards gives me hope again and the negative emotions disappear.

Now I heard there are bots out there that have no emotions what so ever playing online poker. Is this fair??? This I believe will ruin online poker for many of us.

What are your thoughts???

I appreciate your opinion and respect, pairing up with emotions not to worry about odds is that - many people use probability calculators and think they play poker, the real poker player plays with either hand as they watch the story being told and knows the exact moment of being part of it. Controlling emotions does not mean letting the passion for poker die.
PS nothing against who uses odds calculator is an incredible tool for those who play online.

 

[BlackMember]

Before the start of the tournament, I just imagine myself a robot, like a terminator, no emotion, I just have to function and then all the same

 

[ScottieDuncan]

Can't play without emotion, I think.

 

[kceow2981]

You have to constantly remind yourself to think about things in the long term and not in the short term. Most people love the thrill of winning a big pot in the short term, but what you need to understand is how much variance plays a role in your short term results.

As far as practical things are concerned, the best thing you can do is once you lose a big pot just stop playing and walk away. One of the hardest things you can do, but just do it. Take your anger out on something else that isnt poker because you'll end up saving a bunch of money and you'll be able to come back with a clearer mind.

Also only play on a full nights sleep when you are mentally awake and alert. It's WAY easier to go on tilt if you are tired. That's my experience at least.

 

[well_cap1302]

With time and good practice you learn to control.