Stay Focused on Your Poker Opponents

Beginner Strategies, Observing Opponents
January 8 2009

If you’re playing long hours on the tables it can get difficult to maintain your focus the entire time. There are distractions everywhere, whether you’re in a live game in a casino or in the comfort of your own home. Casinos have flatscreen televisions and attractive service staff that can steal away your attention from the game. A game online has all the distractions of home, family, telephone, internet and countless other things that could occur that require your attention.

Try to be diligent at keeping your mind in the game. If you’re playing in a live game, pay attention to everyone’s action, even when you’re not in the hand that’s being played at the time. Professional players look for any edge they can get, and watching television will get you none. If you’re online try to find a quiet place to play. And ask family not to interrupt you unless it’s important. 

Not paying attention to the game will turn your play into a robotic predictable style. After a while your opponents will begin to know what type of hand you have and will start to force the action on you. You’ll also miss information that other players will give away about their play. Winning poker requires your attention.

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