PokerWorks

Many times we forget, first and foremost, that poker is a game. Is it a game where money is involved? Sure, and as such people tend to take it a bit more seriously than, say, a card game like Spades. However, most of us started playing this game for one reason -- because we thought it was fun and we enjoyed it. When poker starts losing its luster... when it becomes a grind... why do we play?

Ask yourself that question if you find yourself playing and hating it. How many times have you seen people say something like "I hate poker" and see them signed up for the next tournament? Or blame the software at PokerStars or Full Tilt Poker, saying things like “You notice how they always let the bad player hit on the river?” But they keep playing on that same software, always bemoaning how the RNG has it out for them and not others.

We all have phases where poker isn't fun and there are many reasons why this could be the case. When this happens, the best thing you can do is to take a break – maybe for a couple hours... or even days or weeks if that is what it takes. The key is to not sit back down at the poker table until you know your mind is fresh and that you can enjoy the game again. Not having fun and enjoying the game can affect your bottom line. Playing on edge, upset, or constantly angry at the game can lead to poor decision making. Don't let that happen to you.

Having fun while you are playing can have an immense effect on your game. You can shrug off the inevitable bad luck and keep plugging away because you know it is going to turn. Having fun = confidence. Confidence = making the right decisions and taking advantage of your opponents. Making the right decisions and taking advantage of your opponents = winning lots of money. If you think about it... having fun = winning lots of money. So remember when you sit down to play... HAVE FUN!

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