Nice article and well written. The why is such an important element and studying hand histories is both necessary and painful sometimes when I can’t think why I would do something in game. This is a good reminder of what everyone should do when entering a session.
Thanks Jason. This "why" concept extends beyond the game. Whenever I'm stuck on a problem at work, home, or on the green felt, it's a great question to ask yourself: Why am I doing X? What am I really, truly trying to accomplish? Too many decisions we make in life are made without taking even a few seconds to ask that question.
I like the concept of recording my game and saying why I made a particular move. Even if I never watch it, it forces me to consider the logic. Plus if I do make a mistake, it's easier to review, as opposed to just having Pokertracker giving me information in a replay. Sometimes the reasons are not great, but at least it forces the discipline of having thought about why, and being able to reflect on whether it was the right thing, win or lose.
I've done this same type of recording in the past to great effect. It's a powerful tool. Another useful thing to do is to simply "talk" to yourself aloud when playing (assuming you're alone playing online). Act as if you're describing your play to a poker coach, explaining your thinking and reads, and justifying every action. It's amazing how many more folds you'll find in early position, for example, or re-raises in late position with this technique.
I also do this often, especially since my subscription to a good video recording app expired. I mostly play when I'm alone, so its fine. When I don't at least talk to myself internally, I can easily play autonomously and miss opportunities. I have a saying that the mouse finger is faster than the brain :)
Nice article and well written. The why is such an important element and studying hand histories is both necessary and painful sometimes when I can’t think why I would do something in game. This is a good reminder of what everyone should do when entering a session.
Thanks Jason. This "why" concept extends beyond the game. Whenever I'm stuck on a problem at work, home, or on the green felt, it's a great question to ask yourself: Why am I doing X? What am I really, truly trying to accomplish? Too many decisions we make in life are made without taking even a few seconds to ask that question.
I like the concept of recording my game and saying why I made a particular move. Even if I never watch it, it forces me to consider the logic. Plus if I do make a mistake, it's easier to review, as opposed to just having Pokertracker giving me information in a replay. Sometimes the reasons are not great, but at least it forces the discipline of having thought about why, and being able to reflect on whether it was the right thing, win or lose.
I've done this same type of recording in the past to great effect. It's a powerful tool. Another useful thing to do is to simply "talk" to yourself aloud when playing (assuming you're alone playing online). Act as if you're describing your play to a poker coach, explaining your thinking and reads, and justifying every action. It's amazing how many more folds you'll find in early position, for example, or re-raises in late position with this technique.
I also do this often, especially since my subscription to a good video recording app expired. I mostly play when I'm alone, so its fine. When I don't at least talk to myself internally, I can easily play autonomously and miss opportunities. I have a saying that the mouse finger is faster than the brain :)