In poker, patience is easy to lose. After all, it’s an incredibly fast-paced game full of high stakes and significant risks. The adrenaline rush that comes with playing poker can push us to make rash decisions, leading to mistakes and losses.
However, the more seasoned player will recognize that patience is often a critical factor in winning a hand or tournament. Here are some of the situations and circumstances that prove that it is indeed a virtue:
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When You Don’t Like Your Pre-flop Hand
Sometimes before the flop, you may find yourself in a situation where you have been dealt a hand that isn’t all that great. It could be pocket Jacks or, worse, perhaps unsuited connectors.
In this case, it would be wise to sit tight and wait for something better, as more favorable hands may come your way. Taking a gamble with a sub-par hand could end up in disaster and cause you to lose chips recklessly.
Likewise, waiting for better cards requires just as much patience, if not more. It’s especially true if you have a good and educated guess that you can land a much better hand. Therefore, patience is key here to ensure that you make a timely and correct move at the table.
When You Have Draws
Having draws on the flop can be a tricky situation. On the one hand, you may have all the chances in the world to make something great out of it – but then again, there is also the possibility that your opponent may already have made his hand and is just waiting for you to commit your chips.
In this situation, practicing patience and waiting out your opponent is best. Test him with smaller bets and calls to see if he is still in the game or has already made his hand. Doing so will help you make a better decision about whether or not you should continue to invest chips into the pot.
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When You Have a Big Pot
Having a big pot is always an exciting situation in poker. However, it is also a situation that requires players to exercise some patience to maximize their winnings.
When playing a big pot, it’s important not to let the moment’s excitement take over. You should be patient and look for spots to increase your winnings by checking or folding instead of betting aggressively. Doing so will ensure your chips are well-spent on strong hands or good plays.
If Your Bluff Is Called
Many players find themselves becoming flustered when their bluffs get called. It is important to remember that this will happen occasionally and that it is nothing to worry about, even if you feel embarrassed for being caught out.
It would help if you remained patient in these situations; there’s no use getting frustrated, as this will only cost you more chips in the long run. Being patient here will help you save your chips and ensure that you are applying poker strategies and not just recklessly throwing money away.
Instead, stay focused on the current game and use it as an opportunity to improve your bluffing next time. Analyze how you were caught out, what was said or done during the hand, and make sure that you learn from these mistakes to avoid them in future poker games.
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When You Are on the Bubble
The bubble period of a tournament can be one of the tensest and most exciting times in poker. It is when players are just inches away from cashing in and realizing their dream of making it to the money. During this time, being patient can be your best friend.
Avoid getting too excited and go all-in every hand. Instead, observe your opponents and patiently wait for the right moment to strike. It may take some time, but with just a little patience, you can make it past the bubble and eventually cash in.
On the Final Table
The final poker table is where all good poker players want to be, and getting there requires tremendous skill, luck, and patience. During the final table, staying patient and continuing playing your best game is essential, especially since you are playing against stronger opponents.
Focus on winning the game rather than the money. If you find yourself being more fixated on the latter, it would be wise to take a step back. It would help if you tried to lessen your excitement or nervousness. Stay calm and focused on making the best decisions, much like what you’ve done for the rest of the game.
Also, avoid being intimidated by bigger stacks or strong opponents, as this can lead to poor decision-making during crucial moments in the game. Instead, only be concerned with your own game and playing your cards correctly to have the best chances of winning.
When You’re Having Trouble Moving up the Stakes
Moving up too quickly without having the right poker skills or bankroll can be very costly and potentially dangerous, so ensure that you have enough of a bankroll to cover any losses and that your abilities are at the level required to succeed at the higher stakes.
It’s also essential that you stick to the poker hands you’re comfortable with. It is natural to feel impatient and make moves you’re not sure of just to prove that you can already play with the bigger boys. However, taking your time and being patient with yourself is more important.
With enough practice, dedication, and patience, you will eventually become comfortable playing at the higher online poker stakes.
It Pays to be Patient
Patience is a critical skill to have as a poker player. By exercising it in all aspects of your game, from bluffing to moving up stakes, you can become an even more successful player and maximize your chances of winning each time you play. So remember, be patient, and the rewards will come!
