I was asked recently by a blog reader to go more in depth into the concept of #4 on my "MTT Troubles?..." blogpost...i.e. the idea concerning a winning attitude (or more directly, losing the "I'm Just Happy to be Here" mentality). This post touches base with understanding and developing a positive and confident attitude at the tables.

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The attitude of poker is something that has to be developed within. Just like how there are some people that are naturally gifted at things, there are others who have to hone their skills with practice and repetition. We all don't have naturally wonderful attitudes like a JohnnyBax, but over time we can come very close to being that cool.

First things first, EVERYONE gets upset and tilted...those who say they don't are simply lying. The ones who excel though are the guys that identify these feeling quickly and have the steps in place to combat them. You must be prepared at the table to see the grossest of the gross happen and forget it by the time the next hand is dealt. So what are these steps? Well, it can be unique to each person, but here is a general rundown of ideas to create a solid mindset/disposition.

1. You MUST be confident and almost cocky in your attitude about your game. Always remember, the others at the table are as defensive if not more defensive about how they go about things--take advantage of it, but be able to get away when danger arises. Put in those three-bets or open-raise with trash...always try to make sure you show down the goods though. You want it in their heads that you are a beast.

2. Play poker like you have allllll day to do it. Focus and think each decision through. Try to make sure you have a "plan" in place before you make an action. E.G. If you raise with AQo preflop, how are you going to react to a shove? Or 88 preflop? Try and have a course of action for each likely scenario and stick to it. This also makes it easier to swallow if a bad beat occurs because you thought out the move and stuck to it rather than making a decision based on split-second feeling/emotions.

2a. The easier the decisions, the less your stomach churns. In lower-limits you will often be flat-called when you make 2.5x raises; however, in higher limits you will usually take it down or be 3-bet. Be aware of this. If you want to "steal" then try and steal with garbage hands like 27o of 38o instead of popping up with A9 and having to grudgingly lay down on a reraise.

3. Play with power. Play to win, but most importantly, play towards your strong points. Be humble about your game later on when you are going back to look at how you can get better, not when you are at the table. Still though, don't be blind to your own mistakes. Also, be inclined to push late when everyone else is pulling it in a bit.

If you can instill these main concepts in yourself, then over time the attitude of winning should come along with it. Never underestimate the power of a lil bit of confidence.

In review, think of the P's when you are playing.

Proud, Pride - Almost to the point of being pompous about the quality of your game
Patience - Play poker like you have allllll day. Take your time.
Prepare - Make sure you are ready to play. Limit distractions, turn on the music, whatever gets you into playing mood
Plan - Have a course of action when you make a move. Be aware of the different possibilities and have a decision ready...but also feel free to review your decision...remember allllll day.
Purge - Review what happened in the hand and be able to rid yourself of strong emotions. Take deep breaths....take a drink....walk around for a minute....whatever gets you closer to an even keel.
Power, Push - Take the initiative late. Control the table. Be the one they have to get through to move on. Be willing to put yourself out there. It's no use trying to simply just back into a final table.

Hope some of this stuff helps out! Good luck at the tables!

--Pye