How Do Non-Rational Players Succeed in Poker?

[ZeeJustin]

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Could you please put up references for the psychological journals etc you have read? I didnt get to finish the entire post (have to get back to school now), but as a former psychology student, I am very keen on seeing some solid, empirical evidence for the theories you use to back up this post. The subconcious is a very controversial subject in psychology, and what you refer to as subconcious competence sounds more like autmated responses, which work in almost the same manner, but calling it competence is for me a far strech.

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Disclaimer: I am not well versed in psychology. The above is opinion based on my limited observation. I can not say with confidence that this is all accurate.

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[PALLADIN]

Good Afternoon Zee,
Practice. Practice. Practice.

Control Emotions. Control Emotions. Control Emotions.

Experience. Experience. Experience.

Repetition. Repetition. Repetition.

Patience. Patience. Patience.

What you describe is an area that can only be called "gray" or "grey" if you prefer. Business decisions are based upon this acquired "feel". It becomes rote.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Risk. Reward. Postive EV.

The comparative between old golfers and old poker players is the same. Muscle memory in golf versus play recognition memory in poker sets the pros apart. Duplicate positive results.

And... only the most determined make it a life long quest without recognition to final result. It also helps to have an adequate bankroll. :-)

What is rational?

Profitable Playing,
PALLADIN

"Have Gun Will Travel Reads the Card of the Man"

[nikeelevet]

http://socionics.com/advan/qa.htm?1121539843
this might help

[Snoogins47]

The first thing that popped into my mind while reading this was the old "Greg Maddux probably doesn't understand the physics behind his curveball, but most people who do probably can't throw one" thing. As stupid as the comparison is (since there is a much larger gulf between theory and practice in a game of physical skill, as opposed to a game like poker) it still probably holds true at least somewhat, and (as ZJ said) this could at least some of the time be the result of 'lucky learning.' It may have something to do with that whole 'talent' thing too, though I can't quite decide if 'talent' even exists, let alone what it actually is.

The coolest thing, though, is that this post illustrates yet another aspect of poker where pure blind luck can have a profound impact on a player. Stupid skill game.

[SteamTroll]

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Disclaimer: I am not well versed in psychology. My speciality is alternative stratigies.

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FYP

[comic2b]

Why would a rational person cheat at poker and destroy all he has worked for?