Poker Articles

Are You Your Own Worst Poker Enemy?
By Al Spath

Your Worst Poker Enemy, by Dr. Alan Schoonmaker, PhD, tackles issues associated with logical thinking as it relates to the psychological impact of playing poker. Dr. Schoonmaker replicates the roller coaster ride poker players experience by addressing such subjects as head games, varying emotions, irrational thinking, and sometimes even exaggerated masculinity (machismo), which players endure on a daily or regular basis both online and live.

This author is quick to point out: "I’m not a poker expert. I’m a psychologist who plays for moderate stakes and writes about poker psychology. I rarely give advice about playing specific cards because many people can do it better."

To this end he stays true to his word and provides insights to the the reader which include recommendations on how to deal with emotional instability, and suggestions on logical thinking while in stressful situations (can seem like every hand) during play.

He has the ability to "remind" you of the exact emotion a player feels when handling a tough beat, or when there is significant damage to his bankroll and there is the instant awakening: "This is me he is talking about; I’d better reread that page again."

Dr. Schoonmaker takes the readers attention into the much-feared conditions of: running bad, anger, arrogance, paranoia, tilt, losing streaks, aggravations, denial and not knowing when to quit. His ability to recreate the "conditions" that each of us face at one time or another is uncanny and makes us want to read more on how to combat these obstacles to "winning poker."

There were a few passages that rang particularly true to me by my own observations at PSO (PokerSchoolOnline.com) and other poker internet sites, as well as live play. Specifically, "If you listen, a few dummies will tell you exactly how to beat them."

The Dr. illustrates with these examples:

• "I’m not aggressive. I won’t raise unless I’m almost certain I’ve got a winner."


• "I’ll always bet on the flop if I’m last and nobody has bet."


• "I’ll call all the way with anything, if a pot is big enough, but I’m not willing to make loose calls for small pots."


• "I never check-raise because I believe in betting my own hands."

The last chapter primarily concentrates on the degree of seriousness to which a player should take poker, and I found his observations and recommendations to be spot-on, specifically: not allowing poker playing to take over your life, setting your priorities, questioning if you are doing yourself harm with over-indulgence, making sure you are playing "within your means and in the right comfort zone,and finally, deciding on options to diversify and balance your life.

After reading Your Worst Poker Enemy, a member at PSO offered this statement:

This is a must read. In fact it is an excellent book for anybody, whether they play poker or not. Mastering the mental game is something everybody can use, whether competing at Poker, in sports, at other games or trying to advance in your job. If you are honest with yourself after reading this book you will gain a better understanding of yourself and why we do things that are counterproductive. This will lead you into playing your A-game more consistently and give you an understanding of why your opponents are playing the way they do. I would strongly suggest this book to anybody who finds themselves in a competitive situation. (Tulio Braz, aka Sabbath).

Recommended reading of Dr. Schoonmaker’s book is not only essential for you to compliment your experience and table skills, it should be mandatory for all players who display the emotional instability to perform and sustain excellence associated with playing at the top of their game. My library of poker books is hardly complete; however, with the addition of Your Worst Poker Enemy, I have enriched my mind as well as my book shelf collection.

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About the Author:
Al Spath is the "Dean" at PokerSchoolOnline, and has authored: the "Poker Journal." In addition to having one place for all your poker records you'll get advice and tips on reading hands, playing live, reading tells and so much more (www.alspath.com). Al's poker expertise coupled with his insight and ability to communicate effectively to both large and smaller sized audiences, make him an ideal speaker for any company, convention, college, or organizational group venue.

Comments to: AlSpath@pokerschoolonline.com

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