How to Control Poker Emotions
Both good and poor poker hands elicit emotions in poker players. And all such poker emotions are best controlled until the game is over. Here are important tips on how to control poker emotions.
Most poker experts urge setting aside the desire to win. When the desire is present emotions are likely to follow suit. They say the best way to win poker is just play it. Don't be obsessed with winning. Play the best way to get the strongest hand possible with one's cards. Some poker experts are also noted never to make any unnecessary noise while playing. They don't talk much. It's like they're not bent on winning and such disinterest shows in their silence. But these are actually strategies on how to control poker emotions.
What seems a smart technique of shooing away nervousness or excitement, and also getting opponents off focus, is talking to them. But what happens is that novice players give away their ignorance as they do this, thinking it advantageous. But they end up being more uneasy, out of focus, giving out too many reactions, and missing a lot of important details in the process.
Some good players wear dark glasses to prevent others from reading emotions through the eyes. This also enables them to watch their surroundings without being obvious. Eye movements in poker say so much to an observant opponent. To minimize giving away eye movements and other facial expressions other players wear visors or rimmed caps or hats.
But the best way on how to control poker emotions is by relaxing. This simple solution often takes some getting used to before it becomes natural and comfortable. Many people are so used to being tense that relaxing requires effort for them. Relaxation as a lifestyle is achieved through practice, exercise, and good diet. It requires a practiced attitude of non-committal with urgent matters, objectivity, and use of logic. If these things become everyday ways, relaxing becomes normal.
Watch out for body habits that accompany emotions. Wiggling foot when uneasy, covering the mouth with a hand when in doubt, turning in chair when alarmed, frowning when upset, and many other gesticulated giveaways.
Finally, learn to smile always in any circumstances. With that permanent smile in either good or bad situations, emotions are effectively hidden and controlled. It does much as a facial exercise, too.
As important as poker strategies are ways on how to control poker emotions. Emotions both good and bad can spoil everything if uncontrolled.