Six Ways for Increase Your Competitiveness

As Faldo collected the cash again at the 19th hole from Bigbrimar and Beerhog (and golf-posthumously from Davethedog - in memory of when he was allowed to play), it occurred to me that I should share some secrets about staying competitive.

I know what you all are thinking – “Heck, even Anna Kournikova has more wins than Faldo.”

Yes, but I have more 2nd place and final table bubbles than everyone else – who ever played on Tuesday - combined. And you all know I stink as a poker player. So how do I still manage to remain “competitive”? Here is how:

1. Focus on little things.

Whatever you know you do wrong – or did wrong last time you played – make sure to concentrate on not doing it THIS time. This will help you immensely with the next step.

2. Have total confidence in what you do.

Faldo kids a lot, but I always believe I will win. That is one of the reasons I am not a happy camper when I fail. I have already expected to get it done. I’m not saying you take it to my unreasonable level, but you should believe in yourself. And if you are “focusing” on not repeating the errors you made recently, then your confidence should be way up. See #1.

3. Don’t think about the prize.
This should be obvious, but Faldo fights this one too. If I get off to a good beginning, I start looking ahead to payday. This is “bad judgment.” When I am truly “in the zone”, I don’t have this problem.

But after a hard day at work and a big dinner, being in the poker “zone” for some SNG action – is probably a rare occurrence.

“Don’t start counting your chickens until they hatch” – is an old expression. And it goes along with, “It ain’t over until the fat lady sings.” In other words, stay focused on the task at hand and play your best at all times. You do that and the prizes will be there.

4. Keep it simple.
This may sound like a contradiction, but when in the heat of the battle, don’t take big chances or try new strategies. I know in tournament poker that sometimes you have no choice but to take a chance.

But lets say NPP is the biggest SNG you play in. Tuesday night is not the time to try a new game plan. Find the cheapest SNG you can and practice things there. When it is truly a trusted part of your “game” – then bring it to the main event. This goes with point #2.

5. Control your emotions.
I’ve been working on this one for my entire life. In my softball and hockey life, this might have served me well and been an overall plus in my ability to compete on a level higher than my talent would have allowed (but at what cost? – could be another article all together).

But in my chess, poker and golf life, this has always been a detriment. Some of you stay in control (or at least act like it) naturally, and I salute you. But if you are like me, controlling your emotions and staying level headed will not only help you win, but stops you from looking like a jerk.

6. Use a tough loss for motivation.

If you are serious about getting better – at anything – a post mortem on why you got beat is necessary. Serious chess players always replay the game to find out what they missed and how their opening went wrong or what was the endgame strategy they don’t know.

It should be the same with poker. Did you really get “unlucky” or did how you played the hand help in your demise?

Now excuse me while I count the Bigbrimar/Beerhog cash I won again. Oh, #7 is "Friendly trash talk helps." That's a shame.