
Team651 Poker coaches Jack and Tom explore why poker affects players emotionally even during correct play. They discuss variance, the psychology behind losing sessions, and practical mental game strategies. The conversation covers why monetary losses in poker hurt more than other expenses and how our brains struggle with poker's inherent uncertainty and extreme variance.
Poker's emotional impact stems from variance anxiety and future uncertainty rather than just money lost during sessions.
Mental Game Fundamentals:
- Human brains aren't equipped to handle poker's extreme variance and uncertainty
- Losing sessions hurt more than equivalent expenses because they threaten future security
- Bad sessions often trigger fears about poker career sustainability rather than just money
- Players focus intensely on opponents who beat them while ignoring those they crush
- Everyone has poker nemeses, but you're also someone else's nemesis at the tables
- Mental game issues like tilt and emotional control affect players at all levels
- Understanding that downswings involve self-esteem and identity beyond just financial losses