The psychology of poker: how three key theories help improve your game 🎯

The game of poker is not just about card combinations and betting strategies. Psychology and your approach to learning play an important role. If you've had problems with tilt, fear of losing or loss of motivation, it may be worth rethinking your learning methods and playing habits. Here are three key theories to help you not only better understand the learning process, but also improve your game.

🔍 The Adult Learning Model

This theory describes four stages of learning, from unconscious ignorance to automatic application of knowledge. For example, you may not even be aware of your weaknesses (unconscious incompetence) or you may be aware of them but not yet know how to fix them (conscious incompetence). Eventually, through practice and analysis, you reach a stage where actions become automatic and you no longer need to think about each step (unconscious competence).

📈 The Surveyor's Concept

This theory shows how your game is gradually improving. Imagine that your gameplay is the movement of a surveyor: first the front end is lifted and then the back end is pulled up. Your best decisions get even better, but it's important to remember to pull up your weaknesses as well in order to move forward holistically.

🔄 Process model

This is a five-step cycle that helps structure your play and learning:

1. Preparation: setting up before the session, warm-up, goal repetition.

2. Play: the process of playing the game itself.

3. Results: evaluating the outcome of the session.

4. Evaluation: analysing mistakes and strengths.

5. Analysis: in-depth work on the problems identified.

These three theories help you realise that mistakes and regression are a natural part of the learning process. The key is to structure your approach, analyse your game regularly and work to improve.

Practical exercises to improve your understanding 🧠

1. Determine your level of competence: Take one game situation in which you frequently make mistakes and determine what level of competence you are at (unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, etc.). Try to find information or training to help you get to the next level.

2. Analyse your range of play: Rate your A-game and C-game on a scale of 1 to 10. Think about what helps you achieve your A-game and what mistakes you make in your worst game. Focus on improving your weaknesses.

3. Create a pre-game preparation plan: Develop a list of activities that will help you better prepare for a game session (e.g. meditation, visualising difficult game situations, repeating strategies). Follow this plan before each session and evaluate its effectiveness.

4. Revise your last game session: After the game, set aside time to analyse it. Note key mistakes and successful solutions. Write brief conclusions and think about how to avoid these mistakes in the future.

Use these assignments to better understand and consolidate the material you've learnt, and you'll see your poker game go to the next level! 🃏💪

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