Tue, 02/15/2011 – 17:39 – PokerPages Staff

The game of poker is exciting and winning is even more of a thrill.  As such, ego can enter the equation and negatively influence your game.  Ego can creep into the game in numerous situations, but here we will examine two.

When playing poker, the beginner poker player will be up against all different kinds of personalities.  It is inevitable that you will come up against some personalities that you simply do not jive with.  Trash talk at the table can seriously affect your game.  Trash talk is used to get inside your head and knock you off your game.  Do not allow this badgering get the better of you.

When winning at poker, do not allow yourself these wins overinflate your ego.  Poker is a game in which losing occurs more often than winning.  Do not be naïve and believe that you are always guaranteed to win.  Being in the mindset that you can never lose will inevitably lend to poor decision-making.  When on a winning streak be gracious and keep your ego in check.  Remember that as you win, someone else loses. 

By not allowing an egotist to get under your skin or preventing your own overinflated ego, you will become a better poker player.
 
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