THE WORLD'S #1 POKER MANUAL - Card Games

Poker Book, Definitions
III
Emotions (5)
Money affects emotions, and emotions control most players. Poker involves the winning and losing of
money. Common emotions of anger, excitement, greed, masochism, sadism, and self-pity often take
control of players during the action. Most players fail to recognize or are unable to suppress those
emotional influences that decrease their objectivity and poker ability. The good player recognizes his
own emotions and prevents them from influencing his actions.... He avoids acting on his whims and
feelings.
Players respond emotionally to various experiences during the game. The good player uses those
emotional reactions to his financial advantage. Some typical reactions and their causes are listed in
Table 2.
TABLE 2
EMOTIONAL REACTIONS
Emotional Reactions Causes of Reactions
Playing loose to recover losses
Playing tight to minimize losses
Playing loose to push good luck
Playing tight to protect winnings
Extending a "rush" or "streak of good luck" by
playing recklessly
Playing poorly to avenge a loss or to retaliate for
injured feelings
A losing streak
A winning streak
Winning a big hand or several consecutive
hands . . . or having a "hot streak."
Losing a big hand or having feelings or pride
hurt
Acting comical or silly Fear, nervousness, lack of confidence, or
desire for diversion
Becoming prone to impulsive actions and
mistakes
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Fear, nervousness, or desperation