Best Pieces of Advice I Have Given Over The Years

Recently at a World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit event, a budding young poker player asked me what are some of the best pieces of advice that I have given over the years to others who wanted to turn pro. After a lengthy discussion with this player, I thought it might be interesting to share my answers.

Value of Money

When a young player, who has never held a full-time job, asks me to give him or her some advice about becoming a poker professional, my first response is, “Are you sure you want to hear my answer because you are not going to like it?”

After they inevitably say “Yes,”

My Advice:

He or she gets a job. Of course, I’m told that I don’t understand because the aspiration is to become a poker pro (as was the case with the person I spoke with recently at the WSOP Circuit event). However, I always say, “I told you that you wouldn’t like my answer.”

Young players, who have never had a full-time job, often do not recognize the value of money. They have never worked tirelessly for 40 to 60 hours a week, only to earn several hundred of dollars (of course, depending on their salary). Don’t misunderstand me. There is no shame or embarrassment in receiving a hard-earned paycheck of this amount (I am proud to have been a full-time working individual for over a decade). More importantly, after working long hours for their paycheck, young people will hopefully have a better sense of how hard it is to earn money and value it more.

So many times, I have heard stories of young players, making hundreds or even thousands of dollars in a tournament. To celebrate, they stay in a suite at a casino with their friends, ordering plenty of room service and alcohol. Inevitably, they blow their entire score, and worse yet, they do not save any of the winnings to pay for taxes at the end of the year.

I always suggest keeping the job for at least a year while they play part-time and improve their game. Worst comes to worst, they will have at least built up their future bankroll. In the end, they may be more appreciative the next time they make a solid score on the felt and not burn the money frivolously.

Cover Hole Cards With Post-It Notes

Many poker players began playing poker after watching it on television. Thanks to Henry Orenstein, they were able to see the players’ hole cards and follow the action closely. With the ability to see what cards each player is holding, these novices would chastise players for not folding or criticize others for not betting more when they had the winning hand.

Many players have a false sense of security after watching poker on television. Some players feel they fully understand the game, but truly their “feel for the game” is due to seeing the hole cards. Naturally, poker is not so easy when you play live and can’t see your opponents’ hole cards.

My Advice:

Take a Post-It note and cover up the hole cards on the screen. Mute the volume and just watch the hand from start to finish. After seeing all the action, try to predict both players’ cards. At first, this exercise may seem rather difficult. However, with some practice, you will at least be able to predict a range of hands and find that your game will begin to improve. Ultimately, you will be able to take this newfound skill to the live tables, hopefully converting this to success in tournaments and/or cash games.
Be Humble

As the expression goes, “Leave your ego at the door.” Too many players believe that they are incredible players with no need to seek advice to improve their game. These individuals often state that they lose because they are always just the unluckiest players in the world, never blaming their poor play.

Whether embarrassed or too prideful, these players feel that if they seek help, they will seem weak or not be considered a top-level player. Often, these same players surround themselves with weaker players so that they may feel superior about their game.

My Advice:

Be honest with yourself. Everyone can improve in some aspect of the game. There are so many areas (e.g. big stack and short stack play) and styles (e.g. tight-aggressive or hyper-aggressive play) of play that can be worked on. Take meticulous notes while you play in order to find the leaks in your game.

Of course, one could seek out a teacher, attend a seminar or do some online training. Additionally, I would recommend asking advice from players who are better than you or, at the very least, who have strengths in your areas of weakness.

I’m so fortunate to constantly learn from some of the world’s best players when I interview them for my weekly radio show. You need to not only find better players who will be willing to discuss hands and different situations, but also listen to their advice and differing viewpoints in order to improve your overall game.

Don’t Seek Out The Media

Every poker player dreams about being on television or in the headlines of the daily write-ups online. Players desire to be in the spotlight, so they may show their friends at home their achievements. As the tournament field thins, players often begin to seek out the attention of the cameras and the reporters.

However, many of these players begin to focus on gaining media attention over playing their A-game. I have witnessed numerous players who were playing well, begin to make improper decisions because of their obsession with being interviewed or written up by the media. Many have hurt their chances at making a deep run or even been eliminated.

My Advice:

Focus on your game instead of being noticed. Being part of the media, I can honestly tell you the easiest way to get noticed is continue playing well in the tournament. If you make the final table, you will certainly get your name written up. Better yet, win the event and your picture and story will be headline news.

Therefore, don’t seek out fame. Let your play do the talking. The media will eventually find you and possibly even seek you out. ♠

Bernard Lee is a poker columnist for ESPN.com, author of “The Final Table, Volume I and II” and radio host of “The Bernard Lee Poker Show,” which can be found on RoundersRadio.com or via podcast on iTunes. Lee has over $2.1 million in career earnings, five career titles including his recent WSOP Circuit victory in Black Hawk, Colorado and is also a team member of RunGoodGear.com. Follow Bernard Lee on Twitter: @BernardLeePoker or visit him at www.BernardLeePoker.com.