New Year's Advice

I'm writing this from Vietnam, and I hope everyone has had a great holiday and New Year's. I know most people make New Year's resolutions.

I try not to make promises to myself that I can't keep, so I don't. One of the most common questions I'm asked is what advice would I give to young amateurs trying to make the leap to playing higher stakes.

I almost never answer the question, because most people aren't really asking that question.

Most people really just want to cut corners and find some hidden secrets that will somehow get them playing $5/$10 and $10/$20 NLHE.

The quick answers are pretty boring. Proper bankroll management is probably the most important key to improvement. It allows you to make mistakes and keep playing. More players fail due to being underbankrolled than to any tactical leak in their game.

I know some players believe in taking a shot when they are on a good run. It may work out for a few players, but most quickly go bust.

Another boring bit of advice is to be boring away from the table. I've seen so many players chase demons away from the table. Many players tie their self-esteem to results at the table.

It is a dangerous way to live. Combine personal vices, and it's easy to see the difficulty of playing through the tough times that will come.

Those are my first answers, but now I think it's more complicated than that. I see more and more successful new players. They seem to be different in a couple interesting ways.

Hey thanks Liz!

You can read Sorel Mizzi's recent post to look at a typical great new player. They seem to focus more on how they play, on making the best decisions possible.

They've mastered aggressive play but understand how that differs from recklessness. They treat their game like a craft to be mastered. When they have a problem with their play, they seek out others to give them advice.

Treating poker like these great new players takes extreme patience and great discipline. It takes a long-term perspective that is at odds with gambling, a hardening that doesn't happen with one hand.

I wish it was easier or sexier. Going from good to great can be done, but you have to be willing to put in the hard work. And you have to be willing to look hard at your decisions. Having some better players to guide you can only improve your chances.

Can you become one of the next great players in 2009? Try this for a New Year's Resolution. Shoot for 2010 as your year, and let this year be one where you follow Sorel's example.

Cut down on your mistakes, and don't repeat the same ones. You'll be surprised by how good you can get as the months pass by.

Cheers!

Liz Lieu - Poker Diva

www.LizLieu.net

www.iPokerCal.com

Drop by Liz's home site, ChiliPoker, and find out how you can earn a heads-up match with the Poker Diva herself. And be sure to take advantage of PokerListings.com's exclusive sign-up bonus.

More Liz Lieu Blog Entries:

• Liz Lieu's WPT Five Diamond Main Event Part Two
• Liz Lieu's WPT Five Diamond Main Event Part One
• Warming Up in the Online Arena
• Who You Callin' a Hamster You Turkey?