For me, there is a direct correlation between the level of my play in a sit n go tournament and the amount of self talk going on in my head. Before you start wondering about my sanity, let me explain.
If I am discussing with myself every move at the table, whether I am in the hand or not, then I am focused and observant. Consequently, I better understand my opponents, and am better able to anticipate their moves and plays. I am still developing my ability to poker self talk. But, as I get better, so does my game.
We all self talk. But, usually we are talking about the wrong subjects. We just have not formalized or focused that stream of activity going on in our heads. Maybe this discussion will help.
For me, it works something like this. I strive to question every action by every player for every hand, including myself, whether I am in the hand or not. My basic questioning usually starts with why, how, will, who, or what.
For example:
- Why did he raise?
- Why did he only call?
- What does he have?
- How will the limper react?
- Will he reraise?
- Will he fold?
- Who will win this pot?
- What will he hold?
The questions are fairly simple and obvious. It is answering the questions that is the hard part. Because, formulating answers to our questions makes us think. Makes us consider alternatives and variables. Leads us to conclusions. Draws us deeper into the game. And, deeper into the minds of our opponents.
The reward comes when our Q&A observations help lead us into informed decisions like these:
- The tightest player at the table is limping under-the-gun? Think I will fold.
- This player is on tilt. Think I will call his raise.
- He bets too big and too fast when he is bluffing. Think I will push.
- This player is a calling station. Think I will check.
A byproduct of the Q&A process is to begin thinking in the second and third levels. Generally, the flow of thought could be expressed like this:
- How should I play my hand? (1st level)
- Why did he raise me? (2nd level)
- If I re-raise, will he think I am strong or bluffing? (3rd level)
The first three levels of poker thinking can be explained this way:
Level 1 - Me thinking about me.
Level 2 - Me thinking about my opponent.
Level 3 - Me thinking about what my opponent is thinking about me.
We should all be fairly proficient at these levels. We get a lot of practice in everyday life. For example:
- Me thinking about me.
- Me thinking about she.
- Me wondering what she is thinking about me.
And, so on. There is a fourth level, too. But, it gives me a headache. And, so does the fifth level, where you will feel like a dog chasing his tail. Three is all you need for most poker decisions.
Lastly, the effort to Q&A serves as a good mental sharpness yardstick. If you find yourself a little too tired or dull to Q&A, then you are definitely too tired or dull to be playing.
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Copyright 2009 R. Steve McCollum
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