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Notable Winning Poker Traits

I get asked by a lot of different people the same question in different forms. Essentially, everyone wants to know about some system to get better in poker. My answer is always the same, it takes a lot of practice and you've got to learn the specifics. Theres no shortcut or system to becoming a better poker player. But after being asked this same question the other day, I thought it might be helpful to put together a list of helpful traits and habits of the successful poker players which may help to guide those at a macro level who are looking to take their game to the next step.

1. Honesty: The players who stay in the game a long time are those who are honest with themselves and others. Being honest with the other players ensures that you are invited back to games, and can often get you a line of credit established so that you may play a game even if you have cash flow issues. Being honest with yourself is critical as well, you'll need to recognize when you aren't playing your best, if you've become the soft spot at the table, and when its time to go. The best poker players in the world routinely practice deception and appear ruthless at the table, but are honest off the felt with themselves and coworkers to ensure the best results from their games.

2. Image oriented: Great players know what image they present, and how to act upon it. Are you dressed in a conservative manner? Are you wearing jewelry? What denomination is your money in? How do you speak at the table? Whats your posture like? How firm is your handshake? All of these things and about 1000 more go into an image that you are responsible for. Its your job to create a persona (or at least manage one) and consider how others are likely to perceive it. You can illicit very different styles of play depending on how you portray yourself, even if your game doesn't change. Take some time to study basic psychology, and prepare a plan for each game you attend.

3. Aggression: Successful poker players are nothing if not aggressive. They look to bet and raise before considering checking or calling. The idea behind aggression in poker is multidimensional and diverse, but there are a few universal reasons to play from this mindset. The most important aspect about aggression is that it decreases the chance of your opponent making the correct choice. When you bet or raise, a villain must pick between three choices (calling, folding, or raising) which mathematically makes it more difficult for him to make the correct pick compared to when you check thus giving them a 50-50 chance of making the right decision. The most obvious other reason to stay aggressive is that betting allows you to win a pot without having to make the best hand (causing an opponent to fold when they are ahead). Either way, aggressive poker is winning poker.

4. Sense of Humor: Its often overlooked by new players, but a sense of humor is critical to success in poker. There are going to be bad beats and unlucky stretches and its important to be able to laugh them off and stay positive. Taking things too seriously can cause you to play with a vendetta or to target players who have drawn out against you and thus get you in a deeper hole. It also helps you stay well liked by other players who may in turn play a little softer against you or may not go for the kill when they have the chance. Its a game after all, and not all players will play for a profit, so be sure to have fun with it and enjoy yourself.

5. A sense of gamble: You often hear about the negative aspects of gambling, the losses at table games, the propensity to chase, the leaks in prop betting, etc. The sense of gamble is critical to a poker players success though, its important to take risks and shots to move up in limits. Without this sense of gamble players will often get stuck in a grind and burn themselves out early in their career. There will be certain games or tournaments that are played at a higher level than that which you are accustomed to, but taking the occasional shot when you are rolling hot allows you to seek a big score and a huge boost to your bankroll. It must be done cautiously, and in situations where there is a good reason to do so (a weak field, dead money, etc). But one big score can change your momentum and give players a much needed boost. Put yourself in a position where you can win a lot more than you can lose, and don't be afraid to take the occasional shot in at a big score. Good luck on the felt.

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