poker strategy blog

[ifoldaces]

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

[Ianco15]

Easier said than done. But I'll give it a try.

[ifoldaces]

I will post a few simple instructions for (at first) live games in order to achieve what I described before.

When not in a hand sit up straight and gaze onto some spot on the felt that is not in use. Try to relax your mind and face and simply count your breaths (one for "in" and two for "out) up to 10 and then start over. (Early practice of Zazen) Ignore all other thoughts but do not force them away. If you do this for an hour everytime you are not in the hand you might be able to achieve the nessessary mindset that I have described above. This is especially helpful when you consider yourself to be on tilt or emotionally involved in the game.

Boris R.
The League
http://www.TheLeagueNY.com

[tek]

[ QUOTE ]
When not in a hand sit up straight and gaze onto some spot on the felt that is not in use. Try to relax your mind and face and simply count your breaths (one for "in" and two for "out) up to 10 and then start over. (Early practice of Zazen) Ignore all other thoughts but do not force them away.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree that you not not think of things outside of poker while playing. But I disagree with the quote above.

When not in a hand you should watch the other players and how they play, at least at a B&M room.

[ifoldaces]

What I am talking about refers to a much deeper understanding than just the game itself and all of its "known" factors. This post was not meant for those who are only looking to improve their game, it is instead aimed at those who feel they have mastered most of the mechanics of the game and wish to go deeper, developing gut feelings, clarvoyance and metaphysical structure of the unknown.

I once again suggest trying what I am recommending if you fit the above mentioned criteria and then come back with your experience.


Boris R.
http://www.TheLeagueNY.com

[tek]

Yes, yes I know all of what you hope to teach. I can reach that state of mind while in the mindset of the game. Similar to meditating while gardening. I can walk and chew gum simultaneously too.

I will leave your thread now.

[Reef]

[ QUOTE ]
I will post a few simple instructions for (at first) live games in order to achieve what I described before.

When not in a hand sit up straight and gaze onto some spot on the felt that is not in use. Try to relax your mind and face and simply count your breaths (one for "in" and two for "out) up to 10 and then start over. (Early practice of Zazen) Ignore all other thoughts but do not force them away. If you do this for an hour everytime you are not in the hand you might be able to achieve the nessessary mindset that I have described above. This is especially helpful when you consider yourself to be on tilt or emotionally involved in the game.
Mr. Miyagi
The League
http://www.TheLeagueNY.com

[/ QUOTE ]

fixed your post

[Demana]

When you talk of the true sense of skill, are you referring to that which has become automatic through countless hours of repeated use? The ideas ingrained into our mind through continued repetition?

[ifoldaces]

The countless hours of repeated use lead to a semi-instinctive mechanical response which every good poker player should accomplish after at least six months of playing. Beyond this there is reverse-psychology strategy where one tries to think as the opponent observing themselves. This level is hard to reach in consistency and even harder to maintain.

Beyond that level there is the development of "gut feeling", or clarvoyance and psychic. This development is cultivated with the use of Zazen, first stages of which I already posted. Deepened practice of Zazen leads to self-actualization. The barrier to these levels for most people is their mind-bounded ideas and fears such as greed, ego-mania, narrowmindeness and others. These are all illusions within and their departure will allow one to progress to a higher intelligence thinking and perception.

I have posted some instructions for live and online poker Zen in this page .

[Raydain]

Tek's posts in this thread are a lot more logical