Primal Reactions and Poker Players

            There are four outcomes for any game of poker. You can win big, win a little, lose a little, or worse lose a lot. Players react differently to each of the outcomes. When you win big, you feel elated, when you lose big your going to be upset. If you haven’t felt an adrenaline rush or an overwhelming sense of rage, your lucky as most players will at some point.  The reason for these strong emotions is the game tends to tap into a primal part of your brain.  When playing, your fighting for something very important-money. Obviously, this is a relatively safe battle and it is probably as close as you’ll get to a ‘life-and-death’ struggle that our ancestors encountered. Back then, the adrenaline was needed to serve a purpose, it triggered a critical response for survival. Ancient men knew only two things-to fight or to flee, and anger or panic helped keep them alive. When playing poker, however, these responses have no useful purposes. Screaming and fighting your opponents, like our ancient ancestors may have done, will not be a good idea. So with no decent outlet for your anger about losing, most players tend to steam. The more angry you become, the more clouded your judgment will be. Most will probably blow money or try to get away with ridiculous bluffs as a way to relieve the pressure.

            If you’re ever going to be a consistent winning player, you will need to learn how to control these instinctual reactions. It’s not always easy to control a part of your brain, but it is something you can work on slowly every time you play poker. Try to leave each game with the same emotional state. If you win- don’t get too excited, if you lose- remember it is only one game and your luck is bound to change at some point.

            If you commit yourself to this way of thinking, the reasoning part of your brain will take over and in time overcome those primal reactions. It won’t be easy; some amazing players have become long-term losers because they cannot get a handle on their emotions, but remember this will only help you to become a better, more successful player.

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