Lets get creative
Stephen Mc Lean, 23/09/06 | Print this article
Being creative and resourceful can be a huge bonus to a no-limit hold’em player. Most players starting out eventually come to realise that there is much more to the game than the cards you are dealt.
Finding or creating the style of play that suits you best should be your main aim, I know its mine. To me every game is a test and I learn something new from each lesson. Every player I come up against presents a new challenge so its important for me to keep on top of my game.
There’s a process I’ve been going through ever since I started to play. This course of action starts long before you sit down at the table and it ends long after. The purpose I have in mind here isn’t to instruct you on the right, wrong or unbeatable way. Each individual must find their own winning suit.
So anyway, here’s the process.
Step 1: Preparation;
When I say preparation I don’t just mean learning the odds involved with different hands or even studying tournament strategies. In a broader sense I am talking about incorporating your experience and education (practical or academic), building on the attributes of your personality and learning from your weaknesses.
Step 2: Development;
Working on the solutions to the problems you’ve encountered during your preparation and applying them. Are you good at thinking on your feet? If you are then how can you incorporate that into your game. Are you good at dealing with people on a day to day basis? If so, then maybe you can use that to get more reads off of players.
Step 3: Confirmation;
This is the most important step. Its easy for a sports pundit to berate a team for playing badly but self-criticism is difficult. If you can analyse the plays you have made from an unbiased viewpoint then you can really start to realise your potential.
Getting creative doesn’t just happen at the poker table. It takes effort and determination. It involves long discussions and hours of learning. It takes courage to find your weaknesses and it takes even more guts to stick to your guns when the pressure is on.
Stephen Mc Lean can be contacted at stephen@pokerireland.ie
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