The Psychology of Poker By: Alan Shoomaker

[KenProspero]

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Perhaps I am obtuse and analytical, but whatever.

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I doubt that you're being either. If you play well enough to derive most of your income from playing poker, you probably don't need this book.

My experience -- I'm a casual player. I play online at stakes that are fundamentally meaningless to me. Occasionally at casinos, again small stakes.

My natural playing style is weak-tight. In 40 years or so, I could be one of those geezers who are the rockiest rocks you'd ever see. After reading a couple of books, I thought I was becomming TAG -- but looking back at it, I wasn't. I had probably moved my aggressiveness from about 10% to about 25%.

POP got me to analyze my own playing style, and realize that if I wanted to be aggressive, I'd have to work at it, really think through every hand I play and force myself to make plays that are counterintuitive to me, but vital to my success.

Also, in thinking of my own psychological make up, I realized I'll never be a poker pro. If I had to worry about my poker playing ability to support myself, I'd probably worry myself into a heart attack.

So, I've identified myself as a recreational player. I identify stakes where I can play aggressively and win, but where if I lose, I only lose my money, not my sleep.

I think this kind of evaluative process is important to a new player, and even more so to an intermediate player.

You need to identify your natural style, your 'natural' comfort zone, and whether you'll be able to move your comfort zone as you get better.