The Psychology of Poker

In this article, we’ll break down what a cooler is in poker, how it differs from a bad beat, why it cannot be avoided with sound play, and how to approach these hands.

Almost every player experiences a moment when poker stops feeling like a set of rules and starts being perceived as a profession. We begin to play with discipline, understand the logic of betting, adopt optimal game strategies, and expect the quality of our decisions to swiftly transform into clear financial outcomes.

In poker, there is a lot of talk about starting a session—warm-up, mindset, focus, A-game. However, there is one phase that players systematically underestimate—the end of a session.

Boredom in poker seldom arrives with a direct message saying, "I'm uninterested." More often, it disguises itself as seemingly harmless things—autopilot mode, mechanical clicks, a desire to have YouTube playing in the background, checking your phone, or continuing just out of habit. It's precisely at this point that a player begins to lose money, not directly, but due to the quality of decisions being made.

Progress in poker is impossible without continual effort. Most often, it looks like this: you study concepts, analyze mistakes, agree with conclusions, and do so regularly — this is how you become a professional in your field.

Professional poker isn't just about strategy, mathematical calculations, and hand analysis. It also involves mastering your mental state.

Poker is a game where mathematical strategy and chance walk hand in hand. Even a perfectly played hand can sometimes end in defeat, while a win may come at a moment when the odds were minimal. This is the manifestation of variance — the deviation of actual results from what you expect over the long run. Understanding variance helps to avoid tilt, maintain motivation, and make clear-headed decisions. In this article, we will explain in simple terms what variance and downswings are, why they happen even to professional players, and what to do so that a streak of bad luck doesn't throw you off course.

Why do novice poker players fear making mistakes and how to fix it: a practical guide on how professionals tackle the fear of errors

How a Poker Professional Thinks and Why It Changes Long-Term Results

Poker grants freedom. The top players travel the world, compete in the biggest tournaments, and earn millions of dollars. However, their journey to the top often included streaks of bad luck. Regular poker players also suffer through downswings. Let's discuss what a downswing is and how to overcome it.

Tired of losing due to tilt and errors? Poker discipline is your key to success. Discover how routine, bankroll management, and psychology can help you consistently play in profit.

What are the signs of burnout? How can you protect yourself from burnout? We explain in the article.

Even a flawless strategy is useless if the mind is tired. We explain how physiology, emotions, and micro-breaks help maintain clear thinking throughout the session.

The more you learn, the more you doubt yourself at the table? Let's examine the Dunning-Kruger effect in poker and explain why the 'valley of despair' is a sign of growth, not failure.

Tired of poker training that yields no results? We delve into how physical condition, practice, and community influence the game. Start applying knowledge rather than just accumulating it.

Tired of chaotic poker learning with no results? Discover how to establish a step-by-step system.

What is the real difference between a pro and an amateur at the poker table? We examine the key distinctions in thinking, money management, psychology, and strategy.

An expert guide to protection against burnout in poker. How downswing, tilt and pressure affect your win rate, and what practical tools can help maintain peak performance.

What is tilt and why does it burn through your money? We delve into the reasons, types, and provide a step-by-step guide to combatting tilt.

Tilt, fear, greed? We explore emotional intelligence (EQ) — the key skill that differentiates professionals from amateurs. Discover how to turn emotions into a weapon and increase your win rate.

Tilt is the main reason for losing in poker. Our guide on psychology will explain how to recognise the signs of tilt, recover from it, and maintain a clear head.