Mindset Coaching

**Chipless Wonder** · 12-07-2009 04:44 PM

When I'm playing my best poker, I feel like no one can beat me unless they get lucky. I'm in some sort of zone where I seem to know my opponents' hand strength, I feel like I can predict what they're going to do, and I seem to know how to make them do what I want them to do.

The problem is that I can only seem to get into this zone about 5% to 10% of the time. The rest of the time I feel mortal and helpless, the cards don't seem to be good enough, and I feel like I get nothing but bad beats.

I am considering a mindset coach for 2010, to help me learn to play my A-game a higher percentage of the time.

Has anyone else tried anything like this? Does anyone have thoughts or opinions about this?

Examples:

http://tommyangelo.com

http://changingyou.org/the-force/poker-mindset/

**occams raisor** · 12-07-2009 04:55 PM

Tommy Angelo is great for this type of stuff. I was barely better than break even until I read his book Elements of Poker. I went on a tear for 2.5 months at over 50% roi. I was focused, certain that I would not lose and if I did it wasn't going to destroy my BR or my confidence. I've lost that mindset but at least I have found what it takes to make me a winning player.

If you haven't already check out Elements of Poker or you can check out Tommy Angelo's website. IMO it's the best poker book that is not really about poker. Good luck.

**Dixienormas2** · 12-07-2009 04:55 PM

Dusty Schmidt (leatherass) Really pushes a life or mindset coach very hard......He says it was life changing for his poker game as well as his life.

I believe he uses Jared Tendler over at Stox Poker. I believe he does telephone mindset coaching and assigns you mental homework ect ect. Might be worth a look see. Who knows what the cost of something like that would run. It may be worth it in the long run.

**Hwilli** · 12-07-2009 04:58 PM

Great post. I have been struggling with this myself. So much so I have taken the rest of the year off to write instead of play.

My main problem is going on autopilot instead of playing my A thinking game. I'm currently working on excercies/practices to help prevent this. Obvioulsy developing this myself has limitations. I had never heard of a "Mindset" coach before now.

I'd like to hear more.

H

**cardsfan04** · 12-07-2009 06:51 PM

A lot of players use golf therapists for this, because the stress caused by each of them is similar. And, eliminating stress from the game will increase the ammount of times you play your A-game.

**Dixienormas2** · 12-07-2009 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by cardsfan04

A lot of players use golf therapists for this, because the stress caused by each of them is similar. And, eliminating stress from the game will increase the ammount of times you play your A-game.

Eliminate stress in golf and poker?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? What fun would that be?????

**Ivan_Drago45** · 12-07-2009 10:15 PM

It may be worth while to buy that book and see if that helps you at all. I don't know about hiring the coach. Seems like an awful lot of money to have some guy send you an email once a week that says stuff like "clear your head before playing each day" or "set intermediate goals to achieve so you have something concrete to focus on" or "positive thinking will yield a positive ROI." I feel like something like this could be achieved by talking with a friend or family member who knows you and knows the game.

I guess I'm trying to say that I think you are an excellent player and an intelligent person and you can probably accomplish more focus without sending some chump $2000 for some emails.

**inzone** · 12-08-2009 05:40 AM

Obviously hanging around Mr. Nutini and Mr. Sauer are not helping much. Especially that Nutini fella. He is a bomb waiting to explode. j/k

I agree with mike. Do not sell yourself short. You obviously know how to play at a high level. I am sure you will figure it out.

**Chipless Wonder** · 12-08-2009 11:55 AM

I had a phone call with Sam Chauhan last night. His main concern was my coachability (i.e. how I would respond to him telling me what to do, etc.). His current major poker clients include Antonio Esfandiari (who just renewed his contract for a second six months), Gavin Smith, Paul Wasicka and Mark Seif. He said there are a few other big names, but he would need to get their permission before releasing their names to me.

His group program is twelve months long, and includes the following:

1. Live conference calls with Sam Chauhan Live (twice a month)
2. Weekly Webinars
3. Weekly coaching emails
4. Live conference calls with Sam Chauhan Twice a Month
5. Weekly Poker Mindset techniques.
6. Monthly Poker Mindset Newsletter

This costs $1,200 for one year, with some discounts if paid in advance.

The individual program pricing is $10,000 up front, plus 1% of all major tournament cashes during the six months. I asked if he would be willing to put me in touch with Antonio, Gavin, Paul and/or Mark so I can get their opinions of his training. Here was his response:

Originally Posted by Sam Chauhan

I don't like to ask my clients to go out of their ways to promote me and my services. I coach them to help them go to the next level. They have enough on their plate without having them to promote me. However if you are looking for testimonials they should be on a featured article me and Antonio was interviewed on bluff.

Poker Mindset | Sam Chauhan Office Website

I have also exchanged emails with Tommy Angelo and we plan to take via phone tomorrow evening.

**Chipless Wonder** · 12-08-2009 12:04 PM

It may be worth while to buy that book and see if that helps you at all. I don't know about hiring the coach.

I've already read his book, and nearly every other poker-related book in print.

Seems like an awful lot of money to have some guy send you an email once a week that says stuff like "clear your head before playing each day" or "set intermediate goals to achieve so you have something concrete to focus on" or "positive thinking will yield a positive ROI." I feel like something like this could be achieved by talking with a friend or family member who knows you and knows the game.

Much to my dismay, I have not been able to find anyone local who will work with me and take this seriously.

I guess I'm trying to say that I think you are an excellent player and an intelligent person and you can probably accomplish more focus without sending some chump $2000 for some emails.

I think we're talking $10,000, but that will pay for itself many times over when I final table the 2010 WSOP Main Event.