We're Taking You to Court

Hi. Come on in. I've made a mushroom meatloaf. We can dine and wine while we speak of our beloved game of poker.

Now, about going to court. Don't panic! I just want to ask you a question that I ask all of my poker students. "If you were put on trial, accused of being a good poker player, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" What would that evidence be? You might want to give this some thought. (Trust me – it will pay you to consider this seriously.)

You, of course, believe yourself to be a good poker player. We all think we're among the best. But why? Provide some factual evidence. Why do you believe you are a better poker player than most of your opponents in the last game you played? And if you don't believe that, why did you enter the game to play with them?

Strong confidence plays a part in winning poker. By itself, confidence won't make you a winner, but without it, you will surely be a loser.

A problem with many poker players is, they have a great deal of confidence, with no specific reasons for having that confidence. They have no evidence. And that overconfidence can lead you into a world of trouble. You'll play limits too large for your bankroll, and against players beyond your skill level. Your discipline will evaporate and your chips will be scattered to your opponents' stacks on the winds of self-deception.

Don't let it happen. Take inventory of your game plan. (You do have a game plan, don't you?) Discover your weaknesses and convert them to strengths. A winner knows why he's a winner. Start thinking.

Change of subject: Here's another question: "How much money can I make playing poker in public cardrooms?" This is among the most frequently asked questions in my mail and on the phone. There's no specific answer, because there are so many variables.

How well do you play? How good is your discipline? What about your "heart" (courage), concentration, patience, detachment, commitment – and many other facets of your game and your life? What limits will you play and for how many hours and how many sessions per week?

You might lose everything you own (it's been done). Or, you might make a million dollars a year (that's been done, too). You'll probably fall somewhere in between.

Here's a guideline that most professional and semiprofessional players use: A solid player should be able to win – on average – about one big bet per hour. For example, if you're playing $10-$20, you should average winning $20 per hour at the end of several months of accurate record keeping. Multiply that by the number of hours played for any given time period to project your potential winnings. And remember, I said a solid player.

I turn to one of my favorite sayings for my personal expectations: "There are no limits – only options." So, set your limits – or exercise your options.

Change of subject: Here's a suggestion: Give up poker! I don't mean forever. You might want to give it up for a few minutes, a few days, or even a week.

A few minutes might do as a break from the game after playing for a couple of hours. Step outside for a moment and relax. Then, go back to the game, refreshed.

A few days off is a good idea, especially if you've been playing every day for a while and your poker winnings are beginning to match your shoe size.

A week off might be appropriate when you find yourself in a long slump in which you just can't seem to pick up a reasonable starting hand and a $7 win would be cause for celebration.

Poker players can suffer "burnout," just as people do in other occupations and hobbies. Burnout is definitely a factor to be considered in a game requiring such intense concentration. Take a break. (But it's just a suggestion.)

Take some meatloaf in a baggy, but leave the wine. I'll finish both after my nap, which begins now. Kill the light on your way out.

Editor's note: Roy West, author of the best-seller 7 Card Stud, the Complete Course in Winning (available from Card Player), continues to give his successful poker lessons in Las Vegas to both tourists and locals. Ladies are welcome. Get his toll-free 800 number from his ad.