Why Many Players Have Difficulty Playing Aggressively

Hi. Welcome to my backyard. It's a hot, slow day - a day in which all ambition seems to disappear. Let's just lie here on the cool grass and see how many animal shapes we can spot in those big white clouds drifting by - and talk about our beloved game of poker, of course.

A few days after our last talk, I had some more thoughts on aggressive play. I recalled a psychological theory that I learned many years ago in some institute of higher learning. I don't remember the name of this theory, or the school, for that matter, but the theory states: "For some people, the fear of losing is greater than the desire to win."

Take a moment, go over that sentence again, and ponder on whether the theory applies to you when you're playing our beloved game of poker. (Seriously, think it over again; otherwise, I'll know that you're not really a serious poker player.) I strongly suggest that you invest whatever time it takes to arrive at a conclusion, because fear of losing is the leading reason that some players have difficulty playing aggressively; and we all know, or should know, that aggressive poker is winning poker.

The question I have for you today is, how do you feel about losing money? Not so good, I'll bet. And, of course, you're not alone. So, let's talk about fear, and losing money.

Winning money doesn't create problems. Losing it most often does. After all, how many times have you walked away from a poker table saying, "Drat, I won $350. If only I had left when I was stuck $100." It doesn't happen.

Here's another question: How does losing money, or the fear of losing money, affect your playing of the game?

Very few people are willing to deal with that subject. But I promise that if you will admit to the fear, it will improve your play. That, in turn, should improve your win rate.

"Wait a minute," I hear you say. "How can that be?" I'm glad you weren't afraid to ask. The fear of losing can cripple your play. It can cause you to begin playing defensively. You don't raise when you normally should. And sometimes you won't even call, for fear of losing that one bet, and will end up losing a pot that you would have won.

There are many people who play with the fear of losing. They are people who have something to lose, but can't afford to lose it. They play defensively; they play not to lose. (Actually, they shouldn't be playing at all until they can scrape together a bankroll that's just for playing poker.)

If you are playing with the fear of losing, you won't be playing aggressively. Aggressive poker is winning poker. Passive poker equals losing.

Here's a quote: "There is perhaps nothing so bad and so dangerous in life as fear." - Jawaharial Nehru.

I'll say it again: The fear of losing can cripple your play.

A person who is afraid of losing will never score big wins. Generally, aggressive players are also aggressive people by nature. Conservative players are generally conservative people who play aggressively. They learned to do so because that's the way to move up.

Fortunately, aggressiveness can be learned, along with other poker skills. But you can't just one day say, "I'm going to play aggressively." Rather, just step out there and try some selectively aggressive play. Learn what is the right amount of aggression for the game in which you find yourself. If you're in a game with a table full of rocks, don't get overly aggressive. Those folks won't call you unless they are loaded. Remember, selectively aggressive.

Play as aggressively as you would naturally. Are you a conservative person? Play that way. But some days, step out of your conservative shell and try being more aggressive at the poker table. If it feels right, keep going. If it doesn't suit you, back off to your more normal game.

Make a note and paste it to your bathroom mirror: "Constant defensive play will cost me money - either in pots lost or bets not gained." Play each hand according to it's value in that particular situation.

Look. That big cloud off to the left looks like a bunny rabbit. But that's enough cloud-gazing, I need a nap. Close the gate on your way out.

Roy West, poker author and teacher, continues giving his successful poker lessons in Las Vegas for tourists and locals. Ladies are welcome. Get Roy's toll-free 800 number from his ad on Page 128.