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A common misconception that people have regarding poker is that it is a form of gambling. Sure, its results involve a fair share of luck, maybe more than other sports, but what you do with that luck is determined by the skill and intelligence you possess. Luck cannot be controlled but a bad hand can always be folded. It is skill, acquired over a period of time which empowers you to make decisions of that sort.
It is always easier to play poker with luck on your side, as is the case with all kinds of sport. You have to take your chances and hope that your calculations are successful. The best poker players do this on a regular basis.
On that note, take a look at a few characteristics the top poker players all possess.
#1 Intelligence
No surprises here. Poker is a game of wit and to triumph at it, it is important to keep your wits about you as you try to outfox the opposition. This is true especially in the age of the internet where there are countless online portals and websites offering to teach poker for free. Such resources have made it incredibly easy to become good at the game and it is only intelligence that will set you apart from the multitudes trying to earn a fortune at poker every single day.
In spite of this wealth of information online, like any other game, excelling at poker requires you to apply the concepts learned over time in a proper manner. You have to be smart and manipulate the other players using techniques like bluffs, and make them second guess themselves, leading to their demise.
This might explain why many poker players have abnormally high IQs and impressive academic backgrounds.
#2 Natural poker ability
Possessing only intelligence is not enough to succeed in poker. You may be really intelligent but if you can't learn from experience and do not have a natural affinity for the game, you are better off staying away from poker. Not only will you then save yourself from financial ruin, but you will also have the funds to invest in less risky activities like mutual funds.
With the advent of online poker, there have been a number of examples to suggest that there is no substitute for natural ability. Viktor Blom, an online poker player going by the name Isildur1, dived straight into it and won millions after learning the game through trial and error. This prodigious natural talent is also evident in other poker pros like Phil Hellmuth, Doyle Brunson and Stu Unger.
#3 Effective Money Management
To play poker, you need a certain amount of resources, and for that, you have to make sure that your lifestyle spending is well under control.
Once that is set, it is time to start maintaining an effective poker bankroll. Poker players aren’t known to be wise with money and often win or lose a lifetime’s earnings over the course of one night. Avoid such drastic decisions. Poker has an element of luck but it is not gambling. Be smart with your money and your earnings will grow.
#4 The ability to take losses
One of the most important quotes to remember while playing poker is, “In order to win at poker, you have to be very good at losing.” In spite of your intelligence and affinity for the game, there will be times when your well-thought out decisions and strategy fail and result in losses. A successful player overcomes such setbacks and remains motivated enough to continue focusing on the task at hand.
It is easy to lose motivation and the inclination to play when Lady Luck is not shining on you, but that is when you need to be on your toes. Importantly, it is essential to also remain calm when you are on a winning run. Never get too affected by the situation you find yourself in, keep your focus, be calm and you will succeed at the game.
#5 Discipline
The most important trait in poker, like most other activities in life, is the art of discipline. Being disciplined is often the difference between walking away with millions and ending up on the losing side of a close encounter. Discipline is the difference between a smart fold and a risky raise and it only comes with dedication and a thorough understanding of the game.
It is important to be disciplined enough to be able to evaluate your mistakes objectively. This will help you study the game well and learn its intricacies. Successful poker players like Ike Haston and Ben Sulsky have been at the top of their sport for decades now thanks to the discipline they possess. It allows them to critically analyse the game and study it, so they are better prepared to face a tough situation.
