Dear Poker Counselor,

What stings more, losing a big pot or being outplayed for a medium pot? Vice Versa: What really psyches you up, winning a big pot or outplaying someone for a medium pot? -Dennis Czajkowsk from North Hollywood, CA

Take a moment to think about how you would respond to the above scenario questions posted at an online poker forum. Would you rather win a big pot via luck, or really outplay someone for only a small or medium pot? What leaves you tossing and turning during a restless night, thoughts of the unlucky bad beat that lost you a bunch of money or thoughts of getting outsmarted for a small or medium pot? If I asked you these same questions next year, or in 5 years, might your answer be different then? Your response to these essential questions may provide deep insight into your current poker life while providing direction for your future goals.

Poker is the most intellectual game played today. At its essence, when played correctly, it is a battle of mind vs. mind. Determination, heart, patience, confidence, and intelligence combine to produce a competent poker player. The cards, and the element of luck, are only the simple variables that allow us to delight in the unpredictability of the contest. To beat others in the game of poker can be seen as something bigger than beating him in some random game, as some feel it is an outlet to gain respect and increase self-confidence while overmatching others intellectually and personally.

Most measure success at the tables, though, with one simple evaluation: the stack of chips in front of the player. A profitable player, especially a consistently profitable player, is seen by most as a successful player. This sport is unique in that the money is quite literally on the table with each play. Your play determines your very own payday. There is no contract to sign or any guaranteed hourly rate, so what you win is what you get to take home with you. Perhaps a lucky catch on the river to double your chip stack may be more satisfying than outplaying someone to win a mediocre pot.

With all of that in mind, think of what the essential driving force is behind your game. It is too easy to respond that you play for both – to earn money AND to outplay your opponents. I challenge you to truly evaluate and understand which of these two is your biggest, most basic emotional and personal need at the table.

I know many players who see their winnings as a secondary motivator. The cash that they’ve won is just their buy-in for their next game, perhaps at the next level. The final rung on their poker ladder is that of supremacy of their opponents. Their ultimate goal the absolute pinnacle of their game. Each step along the way involves improving themselves and their playing skills. They play to outplay others, and they play to be the best. Of course, I also know many players whose ladder is made up strictly financial steps. They log hundreds of hours online and in casinos to watch their overall bankroll swell. As they creep towards each benchmark, their excitement and confidence grows. They play to write down their winnings in their notebooks. They play to afford the next level.

What it is that brings you back to this game time and again? What is your core motivation for putting in the time, effort, and financial risk associated with poker? Why do you read all of the poker books, magazines, and internet discussion boards that you can find? Not only should you always have a goal to shoot for, you should always know what is driving you to set those goals. Think about who you are and where you are going in poker before you take your next deal. Always know what is ultimately driving you. Now go make it happen.

In addition to being a poker enthusiast, John is a certified Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. 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 find out more about the psychology of poker from “the Counselor” at carlisle14@hotmail.com or at the psychology of poker forum of www.pokerstrategyforum.com.