Luck Rituals
So, in my current downspell of crap, I’ve been trying to think of things that I may or may not be doing that continue to further my absolute garbage luck in spots where I go in as a huge favorite. I know many players have little tics or beliefs that they use to help them “believe” themselves into a pot, and while I’ve never been big on superstition, I do to some extent believe in the power of positive thinking. Going into a game believing that you are going to win must to somewhat affect you positively, even if it is just in your mindset and not by the turn of the card.
In past years I would find a song or album that I would drive to the game listening to on repeat, and if I had a good game, I’d listen to that song on the way the next time. Certain songs and/or albums held me through some of my longest streaks. In one particular instance I ran good for about 3 weeks straight after listening to some track off Frank Black’s TEENAGER OF THE YEAR until I decided to tell a friend at the game that that had been helping me. I lost that night and from that point forward the song did nothing.
Often when I get into a big hand all in, if my opponent needs clubs, I’ll say ‘no clubs,’ but recently that has served the exact opposite effect, but somehow enticing those very clubs to come. To the point that at my last session, the dealer looked at me as the heart that killed my hand came off and said, “STOP DOING THAT TO YOURSELF!”
I think now I’m going to go back to just playing cards and letting them come as they come.
So, in the way of these ridiculous little charms, what do other people do for rituals? Or what have you done that used to work and now doesn’t? ETC ETC ETC.
Tags: luck-charms, poker-luck, positive-thinking-in-pokerRelated Stories
POSTED IN: poker blog
4 opinions for Luck Rituals
Jereme
Dec 4, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Interesting. I have never spent that much thought about it before know. I don’t do any rituals or use any sort of luck charms/chants/songs/etc.
Which is somewhat odd. I am a fairly pragmatic individual but I do lean towards the mystical at times.
I always touch the carved indian’s bare chest when I walk into my local cigar lounge every day for luck. I always cross my fingers and tap the car window when driving through a yellow/red light or over train tracks. I also wait until a digital clock displays uniform numbers (i.e. 3:33), cross my fingers, touch the digital clock display and wish for something to come true.
But when it comes to cards, I don’t do anything but play. I have confidence in my play and the cards come as they come. I only get mad if I play something wrong because I screwed that up. Not some imaginary hairy worm like luck dragon named Falcor messing with me.
I am a confused being I guess.
Kori Ellis
Dec 5, 2007 at 12:11 pm
When I first started playing, I would always try to figure out what brought me luck after I won a tournament. I would think back about what shirt I was wearing, or a cap .. or what I did that morning. Then I would try to duplicate it for the next tournament. But it would never work; I wouldn’t win. LOL
After a while, I forgot about all the rituals/luck factors. But I do know several poker players who are very into it.
–Kori
Mike
Dec 7, 2007 at 2:27 am
I doubt positive thinking will have any effects on the cards you’re dealt, but I DO believe being in the best frame of mind,…. whatever “mind game” you use, WILL improve your playing and decision making.
Some golfers btw, are very superstitious, and there is also the universal dumb behavior of all of golfers when we talk/scream .. beg at the ball after it’s in flight :)
Shameless plug … I just started playing Holdem … or poker of any kind for that matter 3 weeks ago, and today won a 200 player FreeRoll !! Lookout WSOP here I come :)
Mike
Dan Port
Dec 7, 2007 at 3:10 am
Honestly, I find myself just saying something like “here it comes” or “here comes a 9″ or whatever will help my opponent in that situation. I do it for a couple of reasons. First, if I kind of prime myself for it, it’s not a huge shock if it hits (helps me avoid tilt on some level). Second, it subtly points out to the rest of the table that I’m ahead in the hand (if they weren’t aware) and that I outplayed my opponent and even if I get unlucky, I’m not someone to tangle with. Then, I can use that later.
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