Quote:
Originally Posted by Mason Malmuth
Hi Mr. Jones:
The first question that I would ask you is "Are you an expert player?" If the answer is yes, then take all the deep breaths you want. They certainly won't hurt you.
But if you're someone struggling to win in the games that you're playing or feel that some of your opponents do much better than you do, working on improving your game strategically and also improving your understanding of all things poker has to be much better for your long-term results. For instance, instead of taking the deep breaths, think about some interesting hands you either played or saw and what alternate strategies might do for you.
Also, this "present" stuff, which comes from Su's book, is complete garbage.
Best wishes,
Mason
And one last thing.
See I disagree. For you, the presence stuff might be garbage. For someone who struggles with emotional control, it has literally saved my life. To answer your question I primarily play live 1-2 / 1-3 and in my player pool I crush. Now I'm in a niche area in the midwest, but I'm peer regarded as one of the top players at those stakes.
When I take shots at 2-5 player pool I'm not in the top, but believe that's more because it's a match the big stack game, and plays VERY deep. I'm still working on not letting the large dollar amounts effect my fundamental decision making.
Again for me personally, I 100% would benefit (and have benefited) more by having complete emotional control, as opposed to having all the technical skills of a Phil Ivey.
I've gone months where I take an hour a day studying poker via books / training sites / going over live hand histories vs. taking that same hour a day and putting it into my mental health issues, and for *me* the mental work has improved my poker game more.
This is what has helped me, I respect other peoples views, but also understand that not everyone is built the same.
Some people can walk into a social event and have a great time, talking to anyone. Others, can't stop thinking about how they have to get the F out of there, because they feel an immense amount of pressure and terror.
IMO you can know all the plays, and math, and reads, and situational awareness, and game flow and be a GOD. But if you can't keep your cool and apply those things, then the knowledge means nothing.
Now obviously if you are a player who is able to keep their cool and doesn't suffer from emotional dis regulation issues, then yes I would agree soak up all the technical poker knowledge you can, that will in fact have a stronger impact on your game.
*On a side note, I've played poker on and off since the boom, but I've never been a consistent winner until last year. Primarily because of my tilt issues. Something would happen that would upset me, and I'd proceed to donk away my stack.
Since I started working with a therapist, as well as reading various mental health books, my poker game has completely transformed. I still have areas to improve on in poker, and mental health, but I'm a winning player now.
Last edited by Mr.Jones; 07-11-2021 at 09:34 PM.