There you are playing on Poker Stars like any other day. You think to yourself "how do I play online poker without an ego". You pick up a decent hand and flop top pair. Everyone checks to you and you bet the pot. Then an opponent check-raises and everyone else folds. Play comes back to you. Based on the little you have seen this opponent, you put him on top pair top kicker or a set. But a voice in the back of your head says he's trying to steal, call him down. Neither the turn nor river improve your hand, and you call to find you're a loser in the showdown. You've called off all your chips again. Why? Because players too often let their egos get in the way of playing solid poker.

My theory is that not all losing players are as bad as they seem. They may know how to play the majority of the time, but then their ego and competitiveness cost them big bucks. How many times have you heard (or said) "I just don't believe my opponent," or "I know I'm beat but I have to call". Why do you have to call? Why don't you believe your opponent? Because your stupid ego gets in the way of playing smart poker. If you try to win every hand, you're going to lose every session. 2004 World Series of Poker Champion Greg Raymer doesn't have a problem laying 'em down, essential for lasting to the final table.

Poker is a mentally exhausting battle of clashes and mind games. So be ready to focus every minute when playing poker. Notice in our other articles the concept of making the most money when your opponent hits, but you hit bigger. The corresponding part of that strategy is not to be the guy who gets walloped. Don't pay off your whole bankroll when your top pair is beat by two pair, or your set is beat by a straight. Don't let the competitive do-or-die voice in the back of your head turn a possible winning session into another loser. Don't let your ego act like a big shot, instead let your cards do the talking. I think Brad Pitt's advice in Ocean's Eleven said it best, "Leave emotion at the door". Or, for online players, "Leave emotion at the keyboard".

About the author:

Dustin Burkert is a professional poker player and a current tutor for www.pokernoise.com. Poker Noise provides poker coaching for the average player looking to improve their game.