Successful live-cash poker players know what optimal performance feels like. Hand for hand, they know how to command their A-game and get over the finish line more often because they've devoted countless hours getting better at it. In a word, they practice.
I'm Sasha. I know first hand that mindset work is the gift that delivers across our poker lives.
Poker is a beast of a game. Our personal history, a weak competitive skill set, and how we deal with pressure can create mental baggage. A higher-performing state of mind can start with being aware of self-talk—negative, punitive "inside voices" that may sabotage. These voices are often connected to a fear of failure, even a fear of success. Despite endless study hours, tilt, shame, self-hatred, criticism, and other sensations can make us feel less composed, less capable.
When we focus our attention on how we feel, and what we're thinking, more is possible as we learn to perform at a higher potential. I invite you to treat mental-game work as strategic and tactical, like the other vital moving parts of our poker education. Because in the end, we play against ourselves.
Mindset work in live cash
Thoughts determine actions. Based on years of study with poker mindset legend Tommy Angelo, I take inspiration from Buddhist principles which can deliver less pain and more focus. Beyond "stay calm and do the best you can," actionable mental-game strategies are not just for poker's elite.
Players at every level can learn to still the mind, consciously observe one's play, and slow the harder moments down so the lines we take ultimately serve a strong decision set and protect bankroll. Should you want to move beyond casual play, we can fine-tune how you grow your awareness in areas that include:
- Detachment and patience
- Session length and quitting
- Bankroll and VPIP
- Tilt and table talk
- ROI and downswings
- Mum poker and info wars
- Devices and paying close attention
Custom approach
Like snowflakes, no two players are alike. We will thoroughly investigate your particular stress points so we can identify weaknesses in execution that are holding you back.
There's nothing mysterious about learning to perform in superior ways. It starts with a willingness to engage this complex competitive world differenty. As a start, I can suggest behavioral changes that can shift how you're feeling, judging, and thinking about your play. Live cash is tribal, and players often imitate bad habits. A first step may be creating new structures—developing different frequencies and betting strategies, for instance, that can bring an immediate and greater sense of control.
I've studied the game for over a decade, and can suggest materials including books, videos, articles, podcasts, and streams. As a start, you might explore "Zen and the Art of Poker," a book I consider a masterwork in advanced mindset discoveries.
Fees
Sessions are one hour and can be in person, on the phone, or via Zoom (recorded on request). I charge a competitive $100 hourly rate for individual training as plug-and-play, meaning no contracts. As a bonus, if you're in Vegas, we can share a game and I can observe your play.
Credentials
I teach live-cash strategies for live NLHE. Privately and in major Strip casinos, I’ve played 1/2, 1/3, 2/5, and 5/5/25 games. I also play online. I remain a passionate advocate especially for women curious about poker, and invite you to explore my journey under "Cards."
Let's connect
If you have questions, a first meet-and-greet consult is complimentary. Please reach out on the Contact page. For paid sessions, I will send a payment link once we book a time. I very much look forward to meeting you and sharing ideas about your poker ambitions!