it’s hard to admit when you’ve played poorly, but in the world of poker, self-reflection is a crucial skill. i recently had a painful downturn that left me questioning many of my strategic choices. the reality was clear: i played terribly. looking back at my gameplay, there were glaring errors i need to address.
my major downfall was my consistent choice to bluff, even when the situation didn’t warrant it. involving myself in too many hands, i gave away chips when i should have been conserving and strategizing. every poker player knows that bluffing is a tool, not a consistent strategy. i need to learn when to use it judiciously.
here’s an exercise i’m setting for myself: sit down at a table and fold all hands that are not aces or kings. it may sound counterproductive, but the aim is to internalize the discipline of folding. in the world of poker, not every hand is meant to be played, and not every pot is meant to be won.
a specific hand that haunts me from the tournament is holding 77 with a flop of 89t. my choices in the turn were questionable at best. donk betting the T on turn and calling all on the river only to come face-to-face with a pair of kings was a rookie mistake. my aggression wasn’t focused or strategic. it was reckless.
engaging with regulars
another revelation: i shouldn’t engage with regular players unless i’m holding one of the top three hands 90% of the time (3-bet with 72 once and show down to get more action though, and show variance in play). why? regulars are the most familiar with my style of play. they’ve studied my moves, know my tells, and can predict my strategies. engaging them without a strong hand puts me at a disadvantage as they often have the upper hand in knowledge.
when facing off against regular players, it’s imperative to pick specific spots. even if i believe my hand has potential, i must be prepared to fold. regulars have seen my bluffs, my calls, and my folds, which means my margin for error is drastically reduced.
this downturn was a humbling experience. but every loss provides lessons. my takeaway? be strategic with aggression, recognize the power of folding, and approach regulars with caution. as i continue my poker journey, these lessons will serve as foundational pillars for future strategies. onwards and upwards!