"The Zone"

[Zoltri]

We've all experienced it and it is the greatest feeling in the world (better than sex?). Your playing blackjack, for example, and you have 14 and you must hit....how do you know the 7 is coming?

The "feeling", the "zone", whatever you want to call it, how do we get it? I suppose that is the million dollar question as even professional athletes must ask...how?

The zone can go both ways, however, as we all know. Same example as above, 14 on board and you know 8 or higher is soon to follow. I have found the best way to avoid this trap is to either quit, cut down size of wager or change game.

But back to the "positive zone". I dont care what game im betting, (poker, sports mostly for me) I am constantly searching for it. Personally, I believe "the zone" is a state of mind that is generated by confidence. Therefore, when playing, I always strive for mental calmness. I want as many highs and limit the lows. I do this by the belief that im good at what I do and therefore I will succeed. This is why, i feel, many poker players lose when going to higher limits. They are out of their comfort zone and the confidence is not as great. Athletes suffer the same...highly touted out of college and a bum in the pros.

Put yourself in a position to succeed, and be disciplined not to stray from your comfort level. Do this and I believe "the zone" can be not only achieved but expected. [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img]