Last article, we started to explore the biggest leak that most players experience: lack of patience. We looked at patience in relation to outcomes, instant gratification, behaviors, limitations, other players, enthusiasm, and emotions. In this article, we will look at the most common beliefs impatient poker players have about themselves, the game, and their environment. If you recognize yourself, consider it a good sign! Understanding yourself as a player can yield immediate dividends.

Belief: “I should be able to win more and faster.”

This belief is based on the idea that increased skill will be immediately reflected in gain. While that is true in games of pure skill (such as chess), it does not follow in games that have an element of luck involved (such as poker). There is a debate in the poker community whether poker is “gambling”. The paradox of the game lies in the fact that immediate results may not reflect upgraded skills at all. Improvement may well be marked by a decreased earn-rate. Although such a situation is not likely, it is certainly not unthinkable. “Winning more and faster” demand is unreasonable. Immediate earn-rate does not depend on skill. Improving may mean that you will start losing more, at least initially.

Belief: “Winning is not supposed to take so much effort.”

Just ask any expert in any field: how long does it take to get really good in this field? The answer usually is: at least 10 years. It takes roughly a decade to develop one’s skills to the point where one becomes a master. But what about the young guns? If we discount those that cheat (i.e. the Justin Bonomo variety kind), there does not appear to be a large number of very young players that are highly successful. The final tables are usually populated with seasoned pros that had their own share of ups and downs over the years. Poker looks easy. So does chess, initially. Once there is an understanding of all the elements involved, one develops a certain respect for the game. It will take an effort. If you are not willing to work hard, playing money tables might be less expensive for you.

Belief: “Winning a bracelet is all that matters.”

Impatience tends to focus on the end, rather than enjoying the means. Some players are World-Series crazy. It seems the only “accomplishment” worth noting is winning a bracelet. If you win a bracelet, you are a god. If you do not, you are a nobody. This simplistic and rather delusional attitude ignores the fact that poker success is quite attainable within the regular cash games that go on every day. Some of the best players in the world do not even play tournament poker. Glamour of the World Series does not necessarily equal success. So what if you cashed or did not cash? Subtract your losses from your winnings and then see what the bottom line is. A bracelet is nice, but hardly necessary. Of course, there is nothing wrong with playing at the World Series. But enjoy the road you take to get there. Otherwise you might find that you hate your job 364 days a year and like it only one.

Belief: “I have to go pro now.”

I have this habit. When a person walks up to me and begins their sentence with “you have to…”, I tend to interrupt them with “I don’t have to anything”. It’s a good habit. I am my own boss and decide as I choose. For a variety of reasons, a number of players (especially online) want to turn pro as soon as possible. There seems to be the ridiculous feeling that if one does not go pro now, poker will somehow disappear overnight. Impatience never asks if there is enough preparation done to set on this path. There are easier and more lucrative careers. The truth is that chances of succeeding at poker and making it big are rather miniscule. The guy sitting next to you might be a worse player than you are, but probably not by much. Only a thin line separates success and failure. Unless you enjoy extra doses of pain in your life (and some do!), ask yourself the right questions first.

Belief: “My family should be as excited about the game as I am.”

Really? Even if you punch the screen and smash the keyboard every time a “bad” beat happens? Imagine one of your family members getting into a business that makes them routinely upset, keeps them away from home for long hours, and sometimes even loses substantial amounts of money. Would you not be tempted to say: “why do you even bother? This seems like a bad deal to me. Is this even worth it?”. Your family members may be in the same position. Poker may not appear to them as it appears to you. Patience means putting yourself in shoes of other people and allowing them to appreciate the results (assuming there are positive results).

Conclusion

In this article, we analyzed and dissected some common beliefs that impatient poker players have. In the next article, we will look at some of the traits that poker players need to develop to plug these leaks.

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