Everyone Experiences Moments of Anxiety
When I first started playing poker, I got so caught up in winning that I often stayed up late, or neglected my work because I was too focused on the game. Poker is fun, but before I knew it, my mind was restless, and I’d get anxious trying to win back losses—this cycle made me realize just how vulnerable my mental state was.
I’m sure you, too, have a busy life and often struggle to find enough time in your schedule. Even so, whenever you find a little free time, you sit down at the poker table. Then, when small losses pile up, it can create a sense of urgency or frustration. Even though I’d tell myself it was “unavoidable,” I couldn’t shake those moments where it really got to me.
> “When you lose, that’s when your true strength is tested.”
When I calmly think about it, these words resonate with me. I’ve really come to feel that in poker, what we refer to as “mental game” is critically important and can determine the outcome.
The Wall I Hit and the Surprising Lessons
At one point, I made a series of big mistakes in an online cash game. It wasn’t because my opponents were especially strong or because I was unlucky. The real reason was that my own emotions weren’t in sync with myself. Specifically, I was so caught up in a single loss that I went on tilt—the state where your emotions spiral out of control and you can’t make rational decisions.
That day, I was already irritated after making some small mistakes at work, and I started playing poker in that frustrated mindset. Desperate to make up for my losses, I shoved chips in with hands that clearly had low winning potential, only making things worse. In the end, I truly felt how dangerous it is to play without maintaining a proper mindset. But ironically, that became my chance to re-examine my approach to the game.
Calming Your Mind Builds Skill
Poker technique isn’t only about strategy or math. Strengthening your mindset is also a valuable part of improving your game. For example, even if you understand hand ranges—choosing which hands to play based on your opponent and the situation—it won’t matter if you let your emotions rule you and keep making reckless bets. Only when you stay calm can your theories come to life.
I’ve made it a habit to “ask myself key questions when I’m uncertain.” For instance:
– Am I letting my emotions get ahead of me right now?
– Am I properly accounting for my current stack (the chips I have) and my position (the order in which I act)?
– Even if I fold this hand, can I still focus on the next one?
It might seem like a detour to check in with yourself like this, but in the long run, it can help you avoid unnecessary risks and keep losses in check.
Small Ways to Lighten Your Heart and Actions
Many players fall into the trap of wanting to “forget small losses.” This can lead to diving even deeper into the game and, before you know it, suffering major damage. Here are a few small tricks I use to keep my mindset in good shape:
– If losses start piling up, step away from the table. Even a few minutes of deep breathing and thinking about something else can help.
– If you’re feeling pressed for time, decide in advance to end your session quickly. This takes some weight off your mind.
– Remind yourself, “If I change, the results will change,” so you don’t get stuck in the flow of winning or losing.
Out of all these, the one I most recommend is setting your own “pause line.” For example, if you hit a streak of bad luck multiple times in a row, leave the table and take a break. It’s precisely because I know the strong urge to keep playing when things go south that having a forced pause can be so valuable.
I Want to Grow Strong Together with You
I’ve had times where nothing went right, and times where I’ve strung together a couple of wins and felt great about it. No matter the situation, I’ve learned that what really matters is “not lying to yourself, and learning from your failures.” True mental strength doesn’t come in a day. But if you don’t give up and keep taking action, I believe you’ll find your own style of play emerging.
You’re not just a reader; I consider you a companion in enjoying poker together. That’s why I want to wholeheartedly support you, especially when you’re trying to keep moving forward even in the face of disappointment. Like me in the past, you might be struggling right now, but it’s okay. You can find your own strength at your own pace. I’m going to keep moving forward with you.
Poker is deep, but that also makes it incredibly rewarding. Whether we win or lose, let’s share in the story that unfolds and move forward step by step, even if it’s at a slow pace. When we look back one day, I believe that everything we’ve built up will have turned into real strength.
