Many poker players have strong identities. They like to think about themselves in a certain way, but what does being a poker player really say about you? Well, you’re about to find out. In this post, we look at some of the fascinating psychological and character traits of people who play poker. We’ll be delving deep into the scientific literature to discover everything we can about why some people play poker and others don’t.
You like games within games
One of the things a poker player could say about you is that you like the idea of games within games. Most people take games at face value and play them directly, but with poker there are so many layers. It’s not just about playing the right mathematical hand; it’s also about storytelling and psychology. Timing also matters and is one of the reasons why some players dominate games while others don’t. If you like this sort of thing, then you could be the perfect type of person set up for a lifelong obsession with poker. It’s the endless complexity of it that really intrigues you.
You feel calm in the eye of the storm
Another thing that might be true of you is that you feel calm when there is chaos all around. Poker is a game that forces you to make fast decisions and risk a lot of money. But if that’s okay with you and your nervous system is fine, then it shows that you generally have a good stress response. It’s not that you feel no stress at all, but being in a poker game feels like familiar territory for you. No matter what type of horrors life throws at you, you’ve made it through all of them and come out the other side.
You know that skill compounds
Being a poker player also tells the world that you’re the sort of person that knows how skill compounds. Things appear to start off slowly and progress can appear glacial. However, there comes a critical point where everything just comes together in clicks, and then all of a sudden you’re a master. If you’re this type of person, you will have probably noticed it in other areas of your life. However, it’s the sort of thing that really turns up in poker competitions. You can have players that go for months without making any progress and then all of a sudden have these massive breakthroughs.
You’re competitive deep down
Being a poker player could also suggest that you’re a competitive person deep down. It’s not like you’re overtly competitive and constantly trying to outdo other people, but being attracted to pro poker does indicate the type of person who wants to win. Poker games aren’t loud and much of the competition is internal. You have to regulate your emotions and play in a calculated way. However, winning in this arena of life can bring a type of satisfaction all of its own. Making fewer mistakes and reading other players better is one of life’s true joys and a real indication of your skill.
You’ve had to wrestle with your ego
Being a poker player is also strongly suggestive that you’ve had to wrestle with your ego in the past. Poker is a harsh teacher. When you get something wrong, you can really get things wrong, and if you’re betting, lose a lot of money.
But one of the other things that poker does is bring to the fourth your emotions. Many people find that fear, anger, and pride hijack them during games. They either become too confident, they’re not confident enough. Or they’re simply in a rage that things aren’t going their way, which breaks their focus.
But when you stick with the game for longer periods, you soon discover that it humbles you. You might think that you’re winning or in a great position, but then something will happen that completely changes your perspective. When this occurs it adjusts your vigilance and makes you less likely to want to bet the house.
You like risk
Being a poker player also suggests that you like risk. It’s not that you take reckless risks, but you’re the type of person who wants to push things right to the edge. If there’s a chance of winning, this is a type of play which is extremely successful in poker. The winning players are the timid ones. They’re the ones that are able to push through despite challenges. Avoiding risk in poker, as in life, is a losing strategy. That’s why poker players have a unique ability to choose their risks deliberately. This is probably why so many business leaders and entrepreneurs start their careers by playing rounds of poker.
You’re suspicious of first impressions
Of course, being a poker player can also make you cynical about other people. If you’re constantly suspecting that they’re bluffing you or trying to trick you in some way, it’s the sort of thing that can carry over into real life outside of games.
Poker is also a great game for understanding first impressions themselves. For example, you can often get into matches with players who seem loud and confident but who are ultimately extremely shy. Meanwhile, it can be the quiet players who have the best hands and the best strategies.
You think in probabilities
Being a poker player could also suggest that you are the type of person who thinks in probabilities. The vast majority of humanity likes to be certain about things, but being such an astute player, you know that this is not a good way to look at the world. Everything occurs within ranges with a certain degree of chance that it will happen. When you think in probabilities, you’re not indecisive; you’re just coldly aware of the risks that surround you.
Ultimately, you know that luck can sometimes come into it and that it does exist, but that it’s also something you need to respect. Every decision you make should be separated from the outcome. The best players make the right decisions. They don’t go for glory.
