How to overcome STUPID

by G-Rob

Confidence is king. I've got a defecit at the moment. It's strange that confidence matters in a game like poker which, ostensibly, is a combination of mathematics and luck. I suppose the value of self-confidence best illustrates the more complex nature of the game itself.

Without confidence I can't trust my reads. That makes me too lazy to make solid reads at all.

Without confidence I become passive. With my rather lackluster math skills a lack of aggression makes me shitty at poker.

Frankly... I've become too timid to play. I used the new work schedule as an excuse. I mean, I can't play much because of the new and unusual hours, but there's nothing preventing me from playing on the weekend.

I just haven't WANTED to.

I haven't had fun the last few times but I'd assume my enjoyment is directly proportionate to my success. Lately I've had very little of either one at cards.

Yes folks, I'm scared of poker.

I've lamented the more serious nature of our games before but there is another reason for my problem. The players HAVE gotten better. It's bound to happen that the people who actually ENDURE at this have had some degree of success in the past. It further stands to reason that, over time, the people who continue to have success are the better players. Thus, the best players remain.

The players who have success return
The best players have success
---------------------------------------------
The best players return

I'm not one of them. At least, I'm not anymore.

So here's the question, beloved reader of mine: How do I get my confidence BACK?

Should I drop down in limits? That's not easy as most games here have a sort of default limit built in.

Should I play less often? I've already done that.

Should I read another poker book? I haven't been doing that. It's decent advice.

What's the answer dear reader?

And, of course, the possibility remains that the following is true:

Poor players suffer more losses
Frequent losses decrease confidence
I've lost confidence
---------------------------------------
I'm a poor player.

| G-Rob's Thoughts