Psychological Internet Errors

Most of us will admit that our game and style in online poker differs from live action poker. The inherent difference in the games promotes this obvious dichotomy. Unfortunately, some of the differences in many of our online games is our likelihood to make foolish mental errors. I find that many players are much better at self-monitoring and self-control in live games. The numbing, comforting effects of the online version of the game provide a great opportunity for several emotional and mental leaks to hurt our bankroll.

Break Time: Casino and live poker club play provide the physical body natural cues to take breaks. The chairs make our backs stiff and uncomfortable, the smoke from cigarettes tires our eyes, lack of food sends out pangs of hunger, and we must take trips to the restroom. Online play is convenience to the maximum. Most players are sunken into their favorite oversized lounge chair, or spread out on the sofa, as they play. Tasty snacks and cold drinks are often right on hand. When the need arises to use the restroom, some players dash back and forth to not miss a hand. I’ve even heard of some players taking their wireless laptops in to the bathroom with them! Without the physical cues leading us to give our body and minds a break, our minds essentially take a break for us. Unable to continually hold focus on poker, the brain will automatically wander to provide itself some relief. As the mind focuses on the television, a radio, or thinking about the activities that you have planned for the weekend, all poker savvy is lost. Not only does your play become mechanical, your ability to self-monitor dissipates. It is during this time that you will make rash emotional decisions, be susceptible to tilt, and you will not learn from your mistakes. Even while online, we must learn to take a businesslike approach while remembering poker psychology and self-motivation.

What the Heck: Casinos use chips to represent money to help promote gambling. It is much more psychologically stressful to see the cash you are wagering. If we were forced to slide crisp $100 bills onto the table, you can bet that play volume would dip quickly. The online version of the game is even more soothing than casino cheques. Neteller digits seem to have a nearly null effect on many of us. It makes it easy to ignore pot odds while chasing a draw. We toss in cash mindlessly at times, as it seems to not have the same weight as “real” money. Of course, it is indeed real money affecting our poker bankroll. I don’t want you to play scared, hanging onto each nickel while ignoring solid possibilities. I jut ask you to focus on not allowing the “what the heck” mentality to overtake you. Do this by using some set benchmark as goals in cash games. If you double your buy in, for instance, take an internal look to be sure the extra chips do not affect your judgment.

Assumptions, Assumptions: The mind is desperate to pass judgments on people that we encounter. When online, this is nearly impossible to get a solid read in a quick fashion due the anonymous nature of the net. Don’t allow yourself to jump to conclusions with only feeble information. A screen name of loose_cannon could belong to the tightest player at the table. The guy who types profanity and insults into the chat box may actually be conservative. Check your assumptions for evidence before using them in your decision making process.

Poker is always a psychological battle. We tend to forget this fact when we play online. And remember it is a battle within yourself, not just against your opposition.

Note: In addition to being a columnist for many of the top poker magazines in the U.S. and Canada, John is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) in America. 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 arrange for interviews, speaking engagements, or find out more about the psychology of poker by emailing carlisle14@hotmail.com.

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