Bad beats are awesome!

[SNOWBALL138]

I thought I'd say something good about bad beats for a change.

I recently started playing pool again, and I've noticed that I am really good at keeping my cool when my opponent gets lucky on a shot or he gets me hooked on accident, etc.
I don't feel unlucky. I don't get angry. I just keep playing my normal game.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that if it weren't for my experience getting bad beats, I don't think I would have this temperment.

Also, I am shooting pressure shots better. I just think about them in terms of odds and expectation, and then let the shot happen.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Poker has helped make me a better gambler all around actually. I almost got a spot off of a guy that is worse than me!

[MHarris]

I just started playing again as well....I gave the game up about a year ago, as I had a ton of trouble focusing and was generally a head case duuring matches if things weren't going well.

Thinking about shots in terms of odds and expectation has helped me tremendously (I'm primarily a one-pocket player), and it also helps me in dealing with the times when an opponent makes a miracle shot. As long as I believe I made the correct decision or shot the correct shot, I'm comfortable with the outcome. I also feel like I play in a much more controlled and focused manner, which has done wonders for my consistency.

[SNOWBALL138]

I have a post in Other gambling titled "Why Sklansky should play one pocket"

I'm glad to hear that you have found a good way to improve your mental game. I'm curious: what is your opinion on the "zen archery" approach to pool?

[MHarris]

Although I recently picked up "Zen in the Art of Archery," I haven't had the chance to read it yet. I'm looking forward to seeing whether it can help my mental approach to individual shots.