The percentage of players that actually win on a consistent basis is lower than you think. I have heard as low as 10% and believe these actually to be true. Even veteran players who know all the skills in the world fall into traps of losing and get thrown off track. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid to make sure you are in this 10%.
1.) Losing Trend~ it surprises me that everyone knows eventually you are going to lose a hand or two no matter how good you play, but this very concept throws some of the best of them off. One of the key to being a professional is knowing this will happen from time to time and when it does minimizing your losses. I was playing a guy the other day who you could tell he knew what he was doing but after losing 3 hands in row which he was beaten by some luck for sure, he became very submissive checking and calling trying to steal small pot. At the table he became a target and went from being a good player to just hanging in until he got knocked out. Its important to control your emotions at this game its an emotional sport. If you play your game and keep improving your skill absorbing the tells and the information on this site you will win your share of hands. Its important after losing a few you don't bury yourself unnecessarily. It is always easier to lose a bunch than to win a bunch, so protect yourself against big losses.
2.) Underfunded~ this is talked about alot so I will not go into to much here, but its very important. When you are playing a game make sure you have a decent bankroll that can stand to take a few hits (especially in the sit and go tournaments across the internet) The main reason for this is with a decent bankroll you eliminate the variance that a small one will have. If you take a small hit you can bounce right back. Subconsciously you will protect your few dollars and it will affect your play. You want to play true to your principles at all times and not let your bankroll affect it. Now there are times when you build up a nice one and you can feed off the small bankrolls because they will be affected by what they have left. This is the position to be in but you have to work your way there. Don't start out at the very bottom and try to work your way to the top start out with a decent bankroll and take everyone else's:)
3.) Too Aggressive~ this is where pride can take down a player. Especially as you rise the ranks and start playing the bigger tables players feel the need to prove themselves. Playing aggressively is how they make there name and raising to intimidate the other players with there presence. This is not smart at all and try not to fall into this trap. A tight aggressive player will be at the advantage every time and you will be out before you know it. Loose aggressive players will win a few hands but don't think its because they are fantastic players luck is a big factor in poker and make sure you don't get knocked out of wack because someone hit a few lucky hands. Poker is not that difficult but it does require a great amount of patience and discipline. Sometimes you will have to mix it up when you are not getting much action in cards but don't get too carried away with it. Look for the key opportunities that will present themselves and like a sniper pick your times to be aggressive and snag some massive pots.
4.) Life Style~ OK guys there has to be a balance between poker and life. To be honest there are a small few that make it very big in poker and from my reading of their past even they have a balance. I see people in poker rooms with red eyes and same clothes who are there all the time. I pick different times to play it might be a Monday or a Friday at different times. I don't go there to make a bunch of friends and connections. I go to take care of business and leave. They say you can make six figures playing poker and really can. You don't have to sacrifice your life and everything that you have to make some money at cards. There are people out there living out of hotel rooms to play cards and this is not necessary. If you live in a poker room and don't have balance you will not have a good head on your shoulders when you play and get pissed of easy. You will take emotions that have nothing to do with the game and others will continue to capitalize on your lack of balance. This is a key point~ Some of the best poker players have a blast with the game if it ever becomes close to work.. Quit and take a step back.
These are just a few items that can lead you to losing a big game. Just be aware of them and don't fall into the trap. If you are dedicated, disciplined and persistent you will win.
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