Inside Anger

All of the instructional poker books and websites that we read advise players to never play when angry. Poker experts assume that steaming will inevitably cause a player to make terrible decisions. I have gone on record saying that this viewpoint looks great on paper, but it is not realistic. As human beings, we can’t simply “turn-off” our emotions. There will be times that we will play while angry, frustrated, and tired. We can mentally work to overcome the effects of emotions, but we can’t deny their existence. I feel that avoidance of emotions (trying to never play while angry) is not a healthy way to overcome tilt and steaming. I believe that we can psychologically spin anger to use as a positive at the table!

Let’s focus on anger. One of the reasons that we have troubles overcoming it at the tables is because of where we direct the anger. You see, most of us externalize anger at the tables. Some do this by blaming out “inept” opposition. For instance, we might steam because a guy called our substantial pre-flop raise with 7-2 off suit to beat you pocket Kings. Your anger is directed toward your opposition. This anger cannot be resolved because you cannot control your opponents. The frustration rolls, unchecked, as your mind cannot find a way to rectify the root of the madness.

A similar example comes when players gets angry with the cards. They blame poor luck on the poker “gods,” or perhaps on the dealer! This misplaced anger cannot be internally overcome. As much as we try to control our luck with superstition and ritual, the simple truth is that we can’t influence our luckiness. Then why should we allow the focus of our anger to linger upon something that we can’t influence? In fact, we shouldn’t.

Being angry at the table is ok, and it is natural. When you are angry, ask yourself where the anger is directed. In order to be a healthy anger, it needs to be something that is a motivator. It needs to be something that has somewhat of an inwardly directed emotion. In other words, being angry at yourself is not a bad thing. If you’ve made a bad call or mistimed a bluff, the self-directed disappointment and anger is a psychological learning tool. The inwardly directed anger helps for forge memories and emotions that will cause us to alter our future play. If processed correctly, the manner which it alters your future play can be helpful.

1. Angry at opponent (his 7-2 off beat your pocket Kings) is External = emotions of disgust, intense frustration, and unhelpful emotionality

2. Angry at cards (terrible run of poor cards or opponent gets his 2 outer on river) is External = emotions of helplessness, hopelessness, intense frustration, and unhelpful emotionality

3. Angry at self (made a poor call or foolishly bluffed into a multi-way pot) is Internal = emotions of self-disappointment, self-determination for improvement, increased focus, and (if channeled correctly) helpful emotionality

Never run from anger. Don’t sprint away from the table if you take a terrible beat or catch a bad run of cards. Instead, redirect the anger inward to make it a motivation for improvement. Could have you guessed that the opponent would’ve played his hand in hat manner? How could’ve you minimized the amount of the loss(es)? Most of all, how can I use that sense of disgust as an energizing factor? The best professionals understand this vital aspect of poker psychology. You won’t see Doyle having to take a break from the game after taking a beat. Even “poker brat” Phil Hellmuth can quickly reign himself back in emotionally after he puts on his show for the cameras and onlookers. To take the next step in your game, find a way to face anger and use it!

In addition to being a poker columnist and lecturer, John is a National Certified Counselor (NCC). He has a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from West Virginia University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Lock Haven University. You can find out more about the psychology of poker by emailing carlisle14@hotmail.com.

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