What Are Your Chances of Playing Against a Pro?

See also

• Poker Lessons.
• Differences Between Sit 'n Go's and Multi-Table Tournaments.
• Odds: How Strong is Your Hands?

It you should find yourself in competition against a famous pro player, you need to adopt the right mental attitude, and then you need to play poker as usual. Well, almost as usual ... Playing against a pro will help you elevate your game (who doesn't want to play their best against the best), which, in the final analysis, is another reason why playing against professionals shouldn't scare you; it should be viewed as an opportunity for learning and earning.

The first thing you need to do when you recognize (or discover) a poker champion at your table is realize you're going to be in awe of this player. It's a natural reaction, nothing to be ashamed of. Don't be afraid to exhibit a bit of hero worship and even deferential behavior to this living legend when you first meet him or her.

The second thing you need to do is get over it! Once the cards are in the air and the game has begun, you have to get the stars out of your eyes and onto your cards. Remember, poker is the only big money sport  where a rank amateur can play against a ranked professional and stand a chance of winning. It happens all the time. Why? Because in the short run (an afternoon of play, or even a five-day tournament), luck can have its moments, and if your cards are right, on a lucky day, you can beat anyone. It is true that if you sat down and played head-to-head with a pro for eight hours a day over the span of a year, you'd be a loser. Luck would even out and skill would prevail. But, again, in a tournament or a ring game that lasts a matter of hours or days, we're not speaking of long term, we're speaking of short term, and in the short term anything can happen, and "anything" includes the opportunity for you to come away with the money and the glory. Sadly, even in the short run, this won't happen if your mind can't accept the fact that it is possible. If you let your awe of a professional opponent wreck havoc with your own game, you're going to lose. Why? Because you're a 2-to-1 underdog, battling your opponent and yourself!

In summary, then, when you face a poker legend at your table (particularly if it's the first time), take these steps.

1. Allow yourself a moment to be awed by your opponent and savor the idea of playing against a living legend.
2. Once play begins, don't let this sense of awe continue. Overcome your tendency to be intimidated by your well-known opponent and don't fall victim to the bowling score effect.
3. Understand that you have a reasonable chance of beating even the most accomplished professional when the playing time is short, which gives luck a larger role in determining the outcome of the competition. These are the playing conditions you will be experiencing, and they are in your favor.
4. Use the knowledge that you are playing against a topflight professional to motivate you; to encourage you to bring your A game to the table. Even if you lose, think how much better you'll feel if you believe you earned that professional's respect because of the way you played.
5. Remember that no matter who is sitting at the table, the chips haven't changed in value, the cards are the same, the statistics still hold, luck still plays a role, and anyone can win. Concentrate on what you know and play your game. There are eight other people you have to worry about; the pro is just one of them.
6. Recognize that you actually have certain advantages when playing against top-flight competition that can actually increase your chances of winning.