Not everyone knows what "mindset" means or why it matters. Beyond poker's technical bells and whistles, as the game gets harder, for some a strong mental game is a new edge.
Our mental game captures in part how we feel in a session, how our state of mind changes, and how those changes determine results.
Every action we take over a live poker session ultimately impacts “mind-fitness.” These actions include hands we open and how often; how and when we bet; how often we put stacks in play; how much we talk; how long we play and how many breaks we take; how aggressive we are; reactions to other players; and countless other considerations.
Predictable leaks
As one of the few Vegas women grinding live cash, I’ve played against thousands of recreationals. Many have been in the game for years, and sit a live session in tough Vegas rooms with confidence.
Even for casual players, winning is still more fun than losing. Yet many recs share a lack of awareness because they don't study a complex game, or they used to fun, low-pressure home games. They often have a predictable style, betting flops when they hit, checking when they don’t. As sessions get harder, they may get impatient, complaining about run-outs, relying on luck vs. skill, forcing their play, limping to see flops for cheap. In a word, "make a hand" poker.
Emotional intelligence
Growth in poker starts with making thoughts, feelings, reactions, and behavior a priority as you study one of the most difficult people games ever invented. Moving well beyond managing tilt, mental-game training is foundational because in the end, we compete against ourselves.
Ideally we advance through a focused, disciplined, athletic perspective. When we're fully present, and paying closer attention, we lay the groundwork for less pain, more joy, and different outcomes.
There’s nothing automatic about mental fitness. These are muscles we grow. Poker games are the gym. Our mind does the reps. Practice is all.
Mindset training in live cash
Based on years of training with mental-game legend Tommy Angelo, I take inspiration from Buddhist principles which can deliver less pain and more creativity. Beyond "stay calm and do the best you can," actionable mental-game strategies are not just for poker's elite. Mindset is a peeled onion whose layers require time to explore and master.
There is a defined path to still the mind and slow the tougher moments so you feel more in control with stronger lines. I help clients fine-tune performance in areas that include:
- Breath work and practicing presence
- Detachment and patience
- Session length and quitting
- Bankroll and VPIP
- Tilt and table talk
- Variance and downswings
- Mum poker and info wars
- Avoiding "compare and despair"
- Linking less pain and more joy to better ROI
A personalized approach
Like snowflakes, no two players are alike. We'll investigate your stress points to find leaks that hold you back.
There's nothing mysterious about learning to perform in superior ways. It starts with a willingness to engage yourself, and the game, in new ways.
I've studied poker for over a decade, and can suggest training materials including books, videos, articles, podcasts, and streams. As a start, you might explore "Zen and the Art of Poker" and Jason Su's "The Joy of Poker"—two masterworks in advanced mindset work.
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 No Limit Hold'em. Privately and in major Strip poker rooms, I’ve played 1/3, 2/3, 2/5, 3/5, and 5/5/25 games. I've also trained online, and have coached low-to-mid stakes NLHE players. I remain a passionate advocate for those curious about poker, especially women. I invite you to explore my journey under "Cards."
Let's connect
If you have questions, a first meet-and-greet is on me. Please reach out on the Contact page. For paid sessions, I will send a payment link once we book a time. I look forward to meeting you and sharing ideas about your poker ambitions!