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Poker is a game based on the mistakes of rivals. If you make fewer mistakes than your opponents, you will make a profit in the long run. Every decision in poker is imperfect to one degree or another. There is no single “optimal” game, there is only a range of options from excellent to bad.
Your goal is to choose the best option, taking into account the circumstances.
Therefore, the elimination of errors is crucial to increase the winning percentage. Some mistakes are obvious, for example, playing weak hands from an early position. They are relatively easy to fix. Other errors are more subtle and require in-depth analysis to identify and eliminate them. Experienced players spend countless hours searching for and correcting minor mistakes in order to gradually improve the quality of their game and thus increase their edge over rivals. But some monumental leaks can completely undo minor improvements. I myself have made many such mistakes and have seen from my own experience how seriously they can affect the final result. Here are a few “super leaks” that can cost you a lot more than one wrong decision at the table.
1. Bankroll management
This is perhaps the most infamous leak. Proper bankroll management allows you not to go broke and adjust to lower bet rates. Each hand on lower limits is a lost profit compared to what you could have earned on your limits. Poor bankroll management has led to the bankruptcy of many leading players, who are then forced to resort to backing just to play. Treat your bankroll professionally.
Do not get carried away with gambling, which will certainly eat up all your poker winnings. The internet offers an endless number of ways to empty your bankroll if you're not careful.
2. Game selection
Many players consider their win rate to be fixed. In fact, it depends a lot on the game. The winning player can become a loser in more complex games with unfamiliar styles. While everyone generally agrees that the best games should be played, people often don't realize how much they can hurt themselves by playing bad games or games that are outside their usual comfort zone. The winning player can not only worsen his win percentage by playing bad games. The winning player can become the losing player. You may have to adjust your strategy or abandon some games altogether. I once played a game I thought was profitable for a few months before I realized I was way behind. The choice of profitable games is very important.
3. Scold the fish
Nothing makes the game worse than showing emotions and insulting bad players. They will leave or play better to annoy you. As tempting as it may be, don't give in to that desire. Once I lost a “client” who brought me a lot of money because I insulted him in tilt. He left and never came back. There are few bad players now — do not drive them away!
An example from Regular is the case in the casino: about two years ago, I sometimes played heads-up with one opponent. I didn't play heads-up much, but I knew I could beat this guy. He was very luzy and aggressive, too aggressive even for heads-ups, and over time I won a decent amount of money from him won. In fact, when he appeared, I received good money from him. Yes, and he was also a habitual rattlecock. Every hand I won, he called me names, told me how lucky I was, how horrible I was, etc. Sometimes he deliberately insulted me, saying that he hoped that my family would die of cancer, etc. I rarely bothered with answers. One day, for some reason, I was in a bad mood. I found this guy sitting alone at the table and sat down to play. Before the first hand could pass, he said:
“Oh, great, that idiot showed up. You're the worst player in the whole world. "
For some reason, I answered:
“You know I always take your money, so how about you just shut up and give me your chips like you usually do.”
I was just trying to get him to tilt, or at least that's what I told myself. In fact, I was in a bad mood and most likely just wanted to insult him for my own sake. Give him back some of what he always gave me. I expected a response verbal diarrhea, but it did not follow. He sat down and then about a minute later he said,
“I've changed my mind, I don't want to play anymore, I have more important things to do.”
Then he left the table and I never saw him again. I have no idea what happened, but I can only assume that I provoked awareness in him. That I always beat him, and maybe he wasn't as good as he thought he was. Or maybe his friend was sitting with him, in front of whom he flirted, and my words opened his eyes to what was happening. Be that as it may, one ill-considered offer completely derailed my winnings. I don't know how much money it cost me, but I'm sure at least a few buy-ins.
4. Stay ahead of the curve
- Minor leaks, such as slightly weak preflop opening range, are not so insignificant. But they pale in comparison to such fundamental issues as bankroll management.
- If there are cracks in your foundation, optimize it before you think about repairing the floor. Assess your priorities objectively. Do not neglect the main problems, fixating on trifles.
- Success in poker requires the elimination of large and small mistakes. Focus your attention on the right direction and the profits will come on their own.
