Do you think

[RED-DOG]

That some poker players are born with genetic advantages over others, ie, prone to risk taking, having people reading skills, mathmatical brains etc

Or do you think it's all learned and some are better, (more dedicated/determined) students of the game?


As a side issue, Tony 'How beige is my jacket' Kendall has a HUGE physical advantage, but that's just a freak of nature

[TightEnd]

Good question

As with most things I do believe some are "naturals" and some have to work at it.

Myself, I am not a natural risk taker though I am naturally good with maths. Consequently due to my lack of natural aggression I often found I was vulnerable to the muscle that NLH tends towards, from other players. I was easily bullied.

However I have studied hard, practiced a lot and taught myself the techniques required to overcome my natural disadvantages which I have bolted on to my natural strengths.

My results have improved

Another thing I think is vital is temperament.

George Best...huge natural talent, suspect temperament

Wayne Rooney....the same

IMHO temperament is just as important as natural talent....in poker terms the ability to remain even tempered in response to the ebbs and flows of a long MTT and not spoil hours of hard work through tilt, impatience or frustration adds dramtically to ones long term results....and thus with hard work and study allied to a good temeprament it is possible to win even with only linited natural talent.

[matt674]

i wouldnt use the phrase "genetic advantage" - i mean, look at BigArmo!! You cant get any more of a disadvantage as that genetically and still he can hold his own at the online poker table!!  

Unless you've hit onto something when you talk about freaks of nature........  

[RED-DOG]

Good question

As with most things I do believe some are "naturals" and some have to work at it.

Myself, I am not a natural risk taker though I am naturally good with maths. Consequently due to my lack of natural aggression I often found I was vulnerable to the muscle that NLH tends towards, from other players. I was easily bullied.

However I have studied hard, practiced a lot and taught myself the techniques required to overcome my natural disadvantages which I have bolted on to my natural strengths.

My results have improved

Another thing I think is vital is temperament.

George Best...huge natural talent, suspect temperament

Wayne Rooney....the same

IMHO temperament is just as important as natural talent....in poker terms the ability to remain even tempered in response to the ebbs and flows of a long MTT and not spoil hours of hard work through tilt, impatience or frustration adds dramtically to ones long term results....and thus with hard work and study allied to a good temeprament it is possible to win even with only linited natural talent.

 

[tikay]

I think the way we play Poker reflects ouir "real world" characters & personality.

I am cautious by nature, know the value of money, have solid financial principles & morals, & so tend to see the dangers more readily than the advantages. Someone like, lets say, Jac Arama, is more gung-ho, "wtf" sort of thing.

And I have good mathematical skills, but these are countered by seeing the downside too easily.

To some degree, these personal traits DO shape our game. I am MUCH better & much prefer Pot Limit than No-Limit, because I rarely have to "risk the whole shop" early doors.

Genetic advantages?

Well, in my case, compared to Twitchy Eyebrow Red, handsome is as handsome does. Wanna borrow my jacket, Red?

[M3boy]

I would say that Poker is the same as any sport/activity.

You CAN learn, and even to a high standard, but to be one of the best, you have to be a natural - that cannot be learnt.

[Trace]

As a side issue, Tony 'How beige is my jacket' Kendall has a HUGE physical advantage, but that's just a freak of nature

His arse again?

You're infatuated with it Tom!

[RED-DOG]

As a side issue, Tony 'How beige is my jacket' Kendall has a HUGE physical advantage, but that's just a freak of nature

His arse again?

You're infatuated with it Tom!

Well I do admit that during a long tourney, I envy his upolstery

[tikay]

As a side issue, Tony 'How beige is my jacket' Kendall has a HUGE physical advantage, but that's just a freak of nature

His arse again?

You're infatuated with it Tom!

He's not alone Trace. But I am not comfy with the "sex-God" image I have, I hate it when women  - and some men - look at me & I can sense them mentally undressing me. Love me for my mind, not my body, is my message.

[Rod Paradise]

I don't about loving Tikay - but I tend to love a girl for what she doesn't mind

[North Angel]

As a side issue, Tony 'How beige is my jacket' Kendall has a HUGE physical advantage, but that's just a freak of nature

His arse again?

You're infatuated with it Tom!

 

Ang x x
He's not alone Trace. But I am not comfy with the "sex-God" image I have, I hate it when women  - and some men - look at me & I can sense them mentally undressing me. Love me for my mind, not my body, is my message.

[Trace]

As a side issue, Tony 'How beige is my jacket' Kendall has a HUGE physical advantage, but that's just a freak of nature

His arse again?

You're infatuated with it Tom!

He's not alone Trace. But I am not comfy with the "sex-God" image I have, I hate it when women  - and some men - look at me & I can sense them mentally undressing me. Love me for my mind, not my body, is my message.

Oh dear!

Someone up his medication he's fantasizing again!

[TightEnd]

Someone up his medication he's fantasising again!

Even more worryingly, so am I.

[Trace]

Someone up his medication he's fantasising again!

Even more worryingly, so am I.

EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW...

[tikay]

As a side issue, Tony 'How beige is my jacket' Kendall has a HUGE physical advantage, but that's just a freak of nature

His arse again?

You're infatuated with it Tom!

He's not alone Trace. But I am not comfy with the "sex-God" image I have, I hate it when women  - and some men - look at me & I can sense them mentally undressing me. Love me for my mind, not my body, is my message.

Oh dear!

Someone up his medication he's fantasizing again!

No choice these days Trace, the sell-by-date sems to have long been & gone......