Fear: The psychological barrier that prevents you from winning at poker 🎯

Fear is one of the most destructive emotions poker players face. It can paralyse us, make us make bad decisions and interfere with play on all levels. In poker, fear can manifest itself in many different ways, from fear of losing money to fear of making a mistake or being ridiculed for doing the wrong thing. Jared Tendler in his book ‘Mind Games’ offers a deep insight into the nature of fear and how to overcome it.

Types of fear in poker 👇

When we talk about fear in the context of poker, we can identify a few key manifestations of it:

1. Fear of losing money 💸

   This is the most obvious and common fear. It is especially strong in players who play at limits higher than usual or who invest significant amounts of money. This fear can cause the player to freeze up and stop making aggressive moves, even when necessary.

2. Fear of making a mistake ❌

   It is important to remember that poker is a game of incomplete information and mistakes are inevitable. However, the fear of making a mistake can cause a player to avoid difficult decisions and look for ‘safe’ ways, which can ultimately lead to a loss.

3. Fear of judgement from other players 🗣️

   This is a social fear related to the fear that others will laugh at or judge your move. It can be particularly strong in live tournaments or when you are playing with more experienced players.

4. Fear of success 🎉

   It may seem counterintuitive at first glance, but fear of success exists too. It can manifest itself when a player wins tournaments and suddenly realises that as the winnings increase, so does the responsibility.

How does fear affect your game? 🤯

Fear prevents you from making the right decisions, and instead of acting rationally, you follow your emotional impulses. This can lead to passive play, overly cautious decisions or, on the contrary, rash and impulsive bets. It can also affect your perception of your opponents: you begin to overestimate their abilities and underestimate yours.

Strategies for dealing with fear 🎯

Jared Tendler offers some effective ways to combat this negative state:

1. Recognise your fear

   The first step to conquering fear is to acknowledge that it exists. Ignoring or suppressing this feeling only reinforces it. Instead, try to objectively assess what it is that causes your fear and how it affects your game.

2. Replace fear with rational thoughts

   Once you have recognised the fear, try to replace it with rational arguments. For example, if you are afraid of losing money, remind yourself that poker is a long-term game and it is important to think in terms of the entire session or tournament, not just one hand.

3. Regular psychology work

   Like any habit, overcoming fear requires regular practice. Reflect on your fears, write them down and work with them until they lose their power.

4. Visualising Success 🧠

   Visualise yourself successfully dealing with difficult situations at the poker table. Visualisation helps to reduce fear and build confidence.

5. Don't be afraid to make mistakes

   Mistakes are an inevitable part of the game. It's important not so much to avoid them, but to learn from them. If you are afraid to make mistakes, it will slow down your development as a player.

Practical task 🎯

The next time you feel fear during a game, do the following:

1. Stop for a moment and assess exactly what it is that you are afraid of.

2. Write down your thoughts on paper or in your phone's notes.

3. Formulate one rational argument to deal with this fear and apply it to the game.

Conclusion

Fear is a normal phenomenon for every player. But if it is not controlled, it can ruin your strategy and limit your potential. The key to overcoming fear is to recognise it and develop strategies to overcome it. The more you work on your psychology, the less fear will affect your game.

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