KOO KOO OVER COCOA

RESPECT:  a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements

I have great respect for my opponents today at the final table. In order to be on the final, each of them has had to overcome some personal challenge or obstacle in order to get here. Sure there may be one or two that have gotten really lucky to get here, but perhaps we’re not seeing the 100 other tournaments they played in which they got unlucky, sucked out on and didn’t make it. A player in the game has to continually pick themselves up from losses, show up, buy-in and try again. And for that I have great respect. Which is why showing up they say is 90% of the battle.

So often I hear of players hating or complaining about a player(s) in their game doing something that they don’t want them to do. The strategy they consequently develop is a failed one. It’s usually built around them trying to stop the other player from doing what they are doing. Their reasoning is simple enough. Whatever the other player is doing is bothering them so much on a personal level that they want them to stop! Maybe they’re playing and winning with inferior hands (usually against them), maybe they are too aggressive, too bossy, too obnoxious, too UGH! Whatever it is I hear their cry for help. “Please stop them!”

Whatever the reason they come up with, they HATE the person in seat # _____. (Fill in the blank) Truth be told, it’s usually not the person they hate, but what they are doing that bothers them the most. What they may not realize is that anytime you try to stop someone ( btw - this type of person is called a “Stopper”) from doing something, you’re going to encounter resistance. Ironically producing the very thing you’re trying to avoid! Its’ got to be a rough life going through as a Stopper and encountering resistance wherever you go.

Hate is a very powerful emotion whose corresponding actions by the player who is entertaining it, will be to try and harm or destroy. Ironically, if they can’t get through it or over it, it is usually them or their chip stack that ends up being destroyed.

You’ve heard the saying “Love is blind,” I’m sure.

The challenging thing about emotions like Love and Hate is that they can be very limiting. Powerful emotions like these tend to blind one to other possibilities and choices in varying situations, thus limiting their viewpoint and actions. With a dynamic game like poker, one should leave themselves open to the many possibilities and avenues available to them in which to win the hand and ultimately the game. Obviously it's okay to Love and Hate, after all it's part of the human experience, I would just say this; don’t let it divert you or determine your purpose.

The most effective strategy I’ve observed in how to do this can be summed up in the principle; “Don’t take the game too personally.” Yes, we’re playing for thousands of dollars, bracelets and other high stakes and its’ important! But always remember, in the end, it’s just a game.

Having a Love / Hate relationship with the game of poker is like eating chocolate. It tastes great, but too much of it will make you sick. The healthy balance I have found is to have respect for the game and those who play it and not to take it too personally. I’ll leave you with one of the great quotes my friend Eddie gave to me as a healthy reminder today.

“Whatever you admire can’t hurt you.” – Eddie Walters.

Enjoy the Journey!

Kenna