Random Poker Thoughts

When asked what qualities a poker player must possess people mention talent, mathematical thinking, the ability to take risks, etc. But by far the most commonly mentioned quality is psychological endurance.

Tilt spells are very difficult to deal with once they have begun as it is the nature of the tilt to cause a loss of control. Tilts, like aggression, are part of homo sapiens make up and cannot be eliminated altogether. But fits of aggression and fits of tilt cause us to run amok for a reason. They are always triggered by an event, bad news, bad bruise, a gross insult, or any other fardle as Hamlet would call it, toying with his bare bodkin. Discomfort is the main catalyst to bring on an instant fit of aggression – discomfort such as pain or a really, really empty stomach.

It is surprising to discover how thoroughly our basic functions sometimes control our conscious minds. Scientific studies have shown that mice and pigeons, and recently other animals such as cuttlefish, can be taught to react to a specific arbitrary sign with a specific set of behaviors: animals learn to expect food at a sight or sound, and learn to receive food by manipulating a lever, ringing a bell, or pecking a certain spot. Through habituation, they are conditioned to consistently believe that specific phenomena or actions regularly lead to the same specific results.

Some may think that the talent of unraveling what lurks in their opponents mind is the secret to playing poker well. It might also be considered that If one could attend a class or seminar on the science of the unconscious mind while indulging in games of chance that it would be a great help to their game. No way. If one was able to be taught how to read another’s mind and discover their various neuroses in the process, it would still be no guarantee of a win.