Why do I get into pissing matches?

[stir]

This (too me) is the all-important phrase from banditbdl's post.

I used to have the same problem as you describe in your first post. Not just at the poker table but everywhere I had a tendency to argue, get my point in, want to have the last word, etc.

But over time I came to the point that now I no longer give a rat's a## what 95% of the people are saying. It is a matter if confidence, imo, more than ego. If I have confidence in my own knowledge at the poker table, I don't need to argue ANY point or justify my opinion to others. Try taking this approach the next time that urge to confront stirs you up.

Ask yourself "Do I REALLY give a damn what this person thinks"?. If the answer is no, then just nod in mute agreement and proceed to take their money.

[TripleH68]

No one can answer this question for you. Maybe you need to ask yourself "why do I play poker?"

[sethypooh21]

[ QUOTE ]
No one can answer this question for you. Maybe you need to ask yourself "why do I play poker?"

[/ QUOTE ]

That really should have been my first question. Is it in Feeney's or Schoonmaker's book where they discuss the % of one's poker motivations that are cash/competition/entertainment? It could be that I need to focus more on the 'cash' and less on the 'competition' aspect of it. It's like golf, if my swing is nice and relaxed, the ball will go farther and straighter then if I tense up and try to kill it.

Thank you all for your replies, this thread has been very helpful for me.

- SP

[RydenStoompala]

Yes, you need to address the needs of your ego. Think of how well pros like Phil Helmuth deal with things. On second thought, erase that image completely from your mind.

[bernie]

I think it's in schoonmakers. When checking out that book, also go to the stonekiller section. He explains why being one is unnatural (emotionwise) in many ways.

b

[Peter Harris]

needless aim to justify yourself as the better player. Ego tripping.

If you stick with the mindless patter i deal out, it keeps people at the tables either happy, confused or irritated. Either way they aren't concentrating on the fact that i'm gaining chips.

If you're a better player and someone trashes you, just say "my spidey sense was tingling", "the power of the trout" or as a last resort "shhh...i'm stacking your chips". Then insert a crap joke like

"what's the difference between snowmen and snow women?"
"Snowballs".

Someone at the table says "lol" and you go back to stacking chips.

Regards,
Pete Harris