What is a not obvious skill to have that make you a better poker player? (or a tip)

[arenaci]

Being able to compete with a field of regs from 2025 in 2020

 

[aixacarl]

Patience, knowing how to wait for the right moment to take risks.

 

[Amanda A]

Picking spots and knowing when to switch gears.

 

[riff_raff312]

Being Patience knowing when to play a hand and when to lay it down:top:

The Riff_Raff

 

[fundiver199]

I think, the mental part of the game is hugely underrated. Often the difference between big winners and breakeven players lies mainly in the ability of the former to always bring their A-game to the tables or at least their B-game. Not get emotionally affected by bad beats or coolers, not play when you are tired, drunk, hungover etc.

 

[youri]

Patience, strategy, discipline and emotional controll are obvious ones. The one not so obvious ..especially online.. is Psychology. For example, trash talking a bad player, making him perceive you as an adversary rather than just an opponent. It will cause him to make mistakes against you, calling you when he shouldn't_trying to win against you at all cost_ it will lead him to making mistakes, thus you making money.

Being strategicaly mean towards an opponent at the table is a skill almost never talked about. I use it while playing live and sometimes online.

 

[youri]

I think, the mental part of the game is hugely underrated. Often the difference between big winners and breakeven players lies mainly in the ability of the former to always bring their A-game to the tables or at least their B-game. Not get emotionally affected by bad beats or coolers, not play when you are tired, drunk, hungover etc.

I agree with you, this is in my opinion, 50 or 60 percent of what being a winning poker player is about. Lets say random Phil is world class but half the time he's on his C game but, random Alex is average but, he's almost always bringing his A game. Alex would be more profitable simply because of his mentality even though he lack the world class skills.

 

[Phoenix Wright]

There are so many good topics not discussed enough in the poker realm. However, I am still going to say bankroll Management and Game/Table Selection. I know these are vaguely discussed by some in poker, but I believe the importance isn't stressed enough to the average poker player.

You could be a really great player, but still be "losing" with poor bankroll management or game/table selection. In a really soft game of fish, even a below average player might take on the role of the "shark" and likewise, even a professional poker player can easily lose if playing in high stakes games above their level (poor bankroll management/discipline) or poor table/game selection. Even if you are the number one player in the world, you could still choose games/tables you'll lose at - many places have unbeatable rake for instance.