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TIPS FROM THE PROS
Kristy Gazes
Oct 23, 2006
Here's one of the most interesting things
about poker: A player can be incredibly
knowledgeable and talented, and still be a
long-term loser. I've been playing
professionally for more than a decade and,
in that time, I've seen any number of sharp,
gifted players go broke again and again. How
is it that I've been able to survive while
others have busted out? I think there are a
few factors that contribute to my success.
As I discussed in a previous
tip, my money management skills
are good. So when I hit the inevitable
losing streak, I don't risk going broke. As
far as I'm concerned, it's impossible to
overstate the importance of money management
to your poker career.
I've also benefited from being a
mixed-game player. At the Commerce Casino, I
play in a rotation game that can include
Omaha Hi/Lo, Stud Hi/Lo, Triple Draw, and
Badugi. I like the mixed games for a couple
of reasons. First off, playing a mix of
games helps keep me sharp and interested.
Sometimes, when I play one game continually
for hours on end, I can get a little antsy.
In addition, there are usually a couple
of players who play some games well, but
aren't quite as skilled in others. This
gives me a nice edge. And the truth is, even
at higher limits, there are players who
don't understand some of the games all that
well. They see too many flops in Omaha Hi/Lo
and draw too frequently in Triple Draw and
Badugi.
There's another great advantage to this
sort of mixed game. Games like Omaha Hi/Lo
and Badgui appeal to gamblers - players who
like to get involved in pots and mix it up.
Some of these guys are quite talented, but
after missing a draw in Badgui or failing to
connect on the river in Omaha, they can go
on tilt. Then, for a period of time - maybe
15 minutes, maybe an hour - they play every
game badly.
Perhaps the greatest advantage I have
over my opponents is that I'm able to
control my emotions. I don't tilt easily.
And when I do feel myself getting upset, I
have the discipline to get up from the table
and go home. I know that the game will be
there tomorrow and I'll be far more prepared
for the action after some rest. Over the
years, I've encountered many players who
play about as well as I do, but I've fared
much better then they have because I can
control my response to adversity.
If you're looking to improve your
results, try learning some new games.
There's a lot of fun and profit outside of
Hold 'em. And work on your emotional
control. Staying off tilt may be the most
important thing you can do for your
bankroll.
Kristy Gazes |
