Not everyone knows what "mindset" means or why it matters. Beyond poker's technical nature, some say a strong mental game, and performing at "peak," is a defining competitive edge.
For casual and serious players alike, I believe ideal training starts with managing your state of mind as you study one of the most difficult people games ever invented.
Live-cash poker is a beast and you may take your seat with baggage—personal trauma, weak gaming skills, how you deal with loss. When you shift awareness, and put more focus on feelings and thoughts, more is possible as you learn to perform with greater insight. This work is foundational because in the end, you play against yourself.
You're trained to observe others yet may ignore your own tripwires. Negative "inside voices” may sabotage play. If you make mistakes in big pots, you might feel shame. "Imposture syndrome" can happen early in your poker life. Disappointment, frustration, envy, and anger are common sensations across a live session with real dollars at stake.
Unexamined mental habits and belief systems rise in any competition. Before you know it tilt arrives, pain warps decisions, joy disappears.
The slam-dunker within
Ideally you learn to train with an athletic mindset. When you're fully present, you lay the groundwork for different results.
There’s nothing automatic about mind-fitness. These are muscles you grow. Poker games are the gym. Your 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, get closer to our feelings, and slow the tougher moments so you feel more in control with stronger lines that enhance results. 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 in mind-fitness holding you back.
There's nothing mysterious about learning to perform in superior ways. It starts with a willingness to engage yourself, and the game, differenty. As a start, I can suggest behavioral changes that can shift how you're feeling, judging, and reacting to thoughts and decisions.
I've studied the game for over a decade, and can also 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 books I consider 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 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 look forward to meeting you and sharing ideas about your poker ambitions!