I've been playing poker since high school, and see the game more as a sport . It’s purely a mental sport.

I studied probability and statistics throughout high school and college, so at first it was a game of numbers for me. I quickly realized how it was way more than that. I used the game to help me refine my own decision making throughout life. 

On a holiday after I participated in all activities with my family, I went to the casino in my parents' town. I entered the casino with the intention to dive deeper into my subconcious fear and understand why I make certain decisions. 

From the 10-ish years I’ve been playing, this is my takeaway:

1. Luck

Luck is basically the hands you are dealt with and after that it's up you to play them right. 

Luck is so random and I don't know how to explain it. When I was born, I was dealt with poor hands but then given a second chance through adoption. My decisions throughout life have been orchestrated around the chance (or many chances) I was given to live the life I have. 

I don't want to just be lucky. I want to be great. 

2. Position yourself for success

When you decide to play your hand, think about how to set yourself up for success by knowing your competitors. In poker, you can succeed with weak or strong hands depending on how you play. This makes it fun (and stressful for some). 

When you're dealt a hand with the best probability, you can play it strategically as if you do not have the strongest hand because at this point your goal is to make others think their hands are strong enough to add more money in the pot to see the next card. 

When you're dealt a poor hand and decide you want to bluff, this exhausts more energy. You want strong hands to feel weak against your shitty hand and to eventually fold. It is more difficult depending on the players you are playing, their cards, and the size of their pots against yours.

You want to build your presence throughout the game which will mold how people challenge you.

3. Communicate the perception you want

Being able to communicate the type of cards you want people to think you have without directly giving it away is important.

However, never communicate your internal thoughts. Maybe have a friend watch you play to give you your telling signs. I trained myself ten years ago to eliminate a lot of my signs.

Basically fake it til you make it.

4. Confidence is key

You must be internally confident when you decide to execute your strategy with each hand. This is a game of mental agility because people will try to intimidate you.

I learned how to exude casual confidence in high-stress situations and around intimidating people. Now I am comfortable in most social settings. 

5. Discipline

Confidence is also about letting go of your pride and knowing when it's time to fold and/or walk away. Respect yourself and know how to take a loss.

It is a different experience in a no-limit game where you can buy in and cash out versus a tournament. In a no-limit, you can set a money or time goal or ceiling (e.g. "I want to triple my pot" or "I want to play for 2 hours") and then tell yourself you will walk away if and when you hit that. 

6. Learn!

Poker is a game where you can learn about people and yourself. It's really cool to analyze yourself because it gives you a better understanding of who you are. 

My weaknesses in poker are also my weaknesses in life; and my strengths in poker are my strengths in life. Every time I want to analyze a weakness or strength of mine, I go straight to the game and try to build consistent habits that make my mind stronger. 

I am a savage in the game but kind in my personal life, which I am proud to be able to separate. I’ve learned my lesson to not treat everything like a poker game, especially relationships.

Poker is fast but it is about patience as well. Don't play every hand and know the different personalities you are playing with.

Lastly, treat people with respect outside of the game and when the game is over. Have fun!