In anticipation of you sitting down at a table; regardless if it’s at a brick and mortar casino or in front of a computer, you always have to be in the correct mental state. Poker is a game of out-thinking your challenger, much like chess. So your mind needs to at all times be focused and alert. Don’t ever participate in poker when you are bored, sad, or have any number of problems. This is what makes even the greatest gamblers lose.
Unless you are competing with your brother’s children or for enjoyment on family fun evening, the challenge of the game is to win cash. You need to see each gambler you compete against as another payment in your bank account. If you play cards frequently every week, mark down your winnings and squanderings. This can help you see where you are in your game and how your poker game is really making you.
The challenge of poker is to make cash, however that is not what you should be thinking about while you play. You should commit to performing the correct choice every time it’s your turn to call, check, or wager. Constantly focus attention on performing the strongest decision at the time while not worrying about the cash. Eventually the more skilled choices you make in a game, the higher $$$$ you may win.
It is very possible to make the correct call and even still give up the hand but you will not throw away your money in the long run. The one thing to always remember when you are wagering on poker is that all profits comes from mistakes. The better you are at decision-making, the larger your bankroll will get.