From time to time I will share my deep psychological understandings of poker (Poker Zen?)with 2+2ers.
Here is my first one.
In order to compete in a high/med NL game or an intense NL tournament one must empty their mind of every single thought. Of course that is not easily done and practice of zazen or intense meditation is always helpful, but not entirely supportive. When you are in a game your mind must be in a blank state, allowing your inner understanding, gut feelings, clarvoyance to develop and be heard. Otherwise the noise of your thoughts, vision, sounds, fears and hopes will blind your true sense of skill. A blank mind draws in information instead of producing it. One can play all they can with odds and strategy but they can still loose consistently. Empty your mind and only then you may become one with the game. Try this in your next poker game and let me know if it helps.
Boris R.
http://www.TheLeagueNY.com