I play on average around 700 online poker tournaments each year give or take a hundred or so. That is a lot of poker tournaments for a poker player that is not a professional. However, this year has been a particularly good year for me on PokerStars.

One of the reasons for this is that I changed my mental approach to the game just a bit. What I noticed from my self assessment is that I was not going quite far enough into some hands that I was playing. By processing and thinking just a little more in-depth I have benefited greatly.

I have also paid more attention to the tempo of the poker table. There is no reason to try and force or delay the action. That only brings stress upon you which you can avoid entirely and don’t need. Go with the flow and let the game come to you.

Be genuinely excited about playing and doing well in the poker tournament. There is no better feeling than to play well and capitalize on your poker skill and strategy. You may not win every session or tournament but you feel good about yourself and your game. Not too many poker players can say that without hearing a “gu-fau” in the background.

Can you?