A revealation Ive had about my game.

I just came to a conclusion about my game recently. I came to it much the same as Fink in his post about how he likes the better competition at THF games, only mine was kind of opposite. I thought that since this realization has helped me, then maybe someone else has the same problem. Let me explain.

About three weeks ago I got to thinking about how I havent done well in THF events lately. I hadnt really been consistent in them since back when we were having freerolls (which Matro55 and Cowboy were dominating) and the $100 added was a new thing. I had been playing many tournaments on a different site lately and was doing pretty well. At first I thought maybe it was PokerStars, because the THF events were the only ones I played on there for a while. Then I realized that I was sounding like one of those crybabies that complain that its rigged. So I trashed that idea.

It took a good while of contamplating before I finally realized what it was. I realized that when playing THF events I was either making stupid moves or really going on tilt after a suckout. But why? Finally I realized, I was trying too hard. I really wanted to win. I wanted to prove that I was as good as some of the other players here at THF. Normally, when I play poker Im not really worried how I do. I like to win, but its not like Im paying the mortage with it. In other words, if I lost my entire bankroll tomorrow I would be OK. I might be a little irritated about playing freerolls again, but Id still be playing poker. So I made a decision that I wasnt going to worry about it anymore. I decided that I was just going to have fun playing poker with people that I enjoy playing poker with.

Since this realization, I have played four THF events and finished 2nd twice. I know thats nothing real spectacular, but its much better than Ive been doing lately. And not only has this helped me in THF events, but it has also transferred over to my other games. The other night I played in a $20 MTT which is the highest buyin I've played. Normally I would feel nervous about this, but since Im just playing for fun again I really wasnt. I ended up finishing 43 (probably could have been better since my connection went out when I was 15th out of 144).

Well since Ive rambled forever now, and it probably makes no sense, let me summarize. I needed to get back to why I play this game in the first place. I love the game. I love the strategies, the phsycology, and the bond it forms between people who really love the game. Its not because I want to be the best, or because I want to win a million dollars (though I wouldnt complain). Its because I love to play.

I hope if you read this that it makes sense, If not I am sorry....LOL

__________________
"I started with nothing. I still have most of it left."

"I find your lack of faith disturbing"

http://live.xbox.com/member/JediSlayer76

theprofessor@texasholdemforums.com

You weren't rambling Prof, I saw your point very clearly and completely agree with you... thats probably also a reason I love THF and all of the members here. We aren't out to make a living playing online poker (with an exception or two), we are here to play a game we love... we are here to learn more about a game we love... and as far as "trying too hard" in the THF games alot of people would agree. If I buy into a $10 MTT and get beat down on the first hand, normally I have moved on before I leave the table. If I was to be beat down on the first hand of a league game it would probably stick with me all week and why is that? Competitive nature. We all have it, it would be near impossible to LOVE this game if we didn't have it... And I know that personally, the thought that there is money at stake doesn't even enter my head in league games. It is a nice bonus if you happen to make the top 5 but if there was no money involved it wouldn't change my style of play one bit. If I took first place and won $180 I would be excited about the win, not the money. Playing against 40+ other people on a weekly basis who love the game as much as I do changes the game... makes it special.

And as far as you personally, I have been watching you for a while now and believe me when I say that you are as good as anyone else here. Don't doubt your talent Prof

Well Im glad you guys understand what I said guys. And as a side note, I also think that is why I didnt do well in any sat's for the WSOP or WCOOP. I was wanting them to much, so back to playing for fun.

__________________
"I started with nothing. I still have most of it left."

"I find your lack of faith disturbing"

http://live.xbox.com/member/JediSlayer76

theprofessor@texasholdemforums.com

Umm, yeah. Until reading this, I could never quite put my finger on one certain reason why I never did well in THF events. This might be the exact same for me. Though I do not consider myself a tournament player, which definitely adds to my failures, this could definitely be one of the reasons I do not perform well in THF events mostly, and just all tournaments in general. I think that I try to just outlast and not make one single mistake in THF events and this makes me play SUPER tight. I almost always say I never got any good cards, and while this may contribute to the reason I lost, it's not the only reason. I never try to make something happen and deal with the mediocre cards that come. I don't take enough risks.

Let me ask Prof, what did you do OTHER than changing your mentality and process of thought towards the THF games and poker in general to give you the recent success? In your game and play, what are you doing different now? Good post Prof.

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cky12 - PokerStars
cky12 - FullTilt

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