Phil Ivey is an American poker legend who has won 11 bracelets and more than $50 millions in live tournaments and millions of dollars in cash games. Hailing from New Jersey, Ivey gained plenty of success in online poker as well. Despite his tall achievements, he remains a very humble and modest man, often staying away from the media attention.
Currently serving as the Global Poker ambassador, Ivey rarely appears in interviews but here you can watch one very interesting interview of him with Joe Ingram where he opens about his mindset, poker life and what poker has given him. We have extracted four crucial ideas and lessons, which every aspiring or seasoned player should learn and embrace:
1. If you love winning, learn to handle losing
Poker is a game of variance where you lose as well as win. Not every day is the same day for you. These are days when you do not lose and again there are days when you don’t win even a single flip. As a poker player, you need to embrace your losses in the game with the same grace as wins.
Phil Ivey says, “If you enjoy winning, you have to accept the fact that you sometimes lose. When you do, the game becomes much easier for you.” If you enjoy winning, learn to accept losing as well. Practicing the emotional balance of winning and losing is key to your long-term success.
2. Climb the stakes with caution to stay in the game
Bankroll management is not just a strategy to avoid financial trouble, it is a survival skill. If you don’t have enough bankroll to climb the stakes, it is better to play within your bankroll. Many talented poker players burn out or go broke because they climb too fast and ruin their entire bankroll.
Ivey warns poker players about climbing the stakes with caution. According to him, a lot of players go crazy and play stakes, which get them into financial trouble. He says, “I know a lot of players who got into trouble when they went crazy and played stakes, which got them into financial trouble. It is relatively easy to avoid it, always guard your bankroll and take your time – poker will become a much more fun. “
3. Control your emotions at the table
Poker is a game where emotions galore. The bigger the money, the more emotions this beautiful game brings. However, emotions are the enemy of common sense and you should break away from them during the game to be able to make rational and calculated decisions at the table. As emotions can cost thousands even in a single hand, Ivey emphasizes emotional control – controlling your emotions during losses and wins.
“When I win, I try to limit my joy, when I lose, not to fall into sorrow. I think this is a very important prerequisite for success. ” – says Phil Ivey.
Phil Ivey is not just a legend for his results—but also for how he thinks, acts and inspires others around him. These ideas from the GOAT are not poker lessons—they’re life-long principles grounded in experience, humility, discipline. and emotional control over the years. Whether you are new to poker or a seasoned pro, these lessons from one of the greatest legends can help you to change your game and approach to your entire life. For more insights, watch the video below.
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