Mind Over Poker

Choose, Respond, Change

I recently came across Covey’s quote, and, of course, it got me thinking about poker. The successful implementation of these endowments could serve as a blueprint for winning play. In my observations, however, I think a lot of players have work to do in these areas. Let’s look at each one, starting with the area in which I think most players have the least amount of work to do, and ending with the endowment that probably requires the most work.

First, let’s look at conscience. I’m not sure what Covey had in mind when he wrote this, but the endowment of conscience is a little tricky when it comes to poker. It should go without saying that poker players should respect the rules and avoid cheating and angle-shooting. After that, though, the poker arena is one in which players are engaged in a cutthroat competitive endeavor that requires the ability to avoid acting on any sympathetic feelings. I think most players are quite adept at leaving their everyday selves at the door when they walk into the poker room, and they have no problem recognizing that they must play ruthlessly. However, there are those few (especially online) who can’t control their tempers and thoughts, and end up saying the most unconscionable of things. While there is obviously no place for this, these players are hurting only themselves.

Next, let’s look at both independent will and creative imagination. While they are listed as separate endowments, I think they go hand in hand at the poker table. Too many players go on automatic pilot. They are afraid of straying from their by-the-book play. While discipline is critical to success, blindly following a false god of accepted poker wisdom can make you very vulnerable to those players who are exercising their endowments of independent will and creative imagination. Like most competitive endeavors, one needs to have a thorough and sound understanding of the fundamentals of play. One needs to know the rules before he can deviate from them successfully. You can’t be afraid of experimenting in your attempts to exploit others.

This brings us to the area in which I think most players are lacking — self-awareness. In fact, I think that just about every one of us can do a better job in this area. It’s tough work to be critical of oneself, and it is especially hard when there are so many external factors to easily blame at the poker table. The cards, the stupid play of others, bad luck, bad dealers, and countless other excuses are readily available if you’re looking for one. From self-awareness springs everything else. Without self-awareness, you’ll ultimately fail in all four endowments.

Poker is a game of correct decision-making. That decision-making is made all the more difficult in an ever-changing game of imperfect information. With self-awareness, it becomes possible to fulfill the evolution of the other endowments and to attain Covey’s enlightenment of “the power to choose, to respond, to change.”

David Apostolico’s latest book — Compete, Play, Win — examines how we can harness our competitive drive for maximum success. You can contact him at [email protected].