"The Railbird: 10 Ways To Avoid Becoming One"A railbird is easy to spot. Live and online poker games have them. They’re the people out of action unable to play poker left to “chirp” amongst themselves on the outskirts of poker game or room. They rarely play and when they do, go broke almost IMMEDIATELY. Some are there because they really have fallen on hard times. Most however are in that situation because of poor decisions they’ve made. Here are 10 ways to stay in action and not become THE RAILBIRD 1. Make a conscious decision to not be one. When you make the choice to never be on the rail you’ll do what it takes to fulfill that choice. Your decisions will get made both on and off the poker table with that choice in mind. Your conscious will pipe and say “hey! Remember those railbirds and how you don’t want to be one?” This should do well to keep decisions in check. 2. Learn everything you possibly can about poker then go over it again. Whether its from books or experience absorb some helpful poker information from it. Keep learning even if you have to seek it out your poker game and wallet will prosper. 3. Have a bankroll that is used for poker only! All other money (bills, spending etc.) is kept separate from a poker bankroll. 4. Practice poker bankroll management. This helps keep you in poker games and off the rail. Many “railers” end up there because of poor bankroll management. They use it to buy things play in games too big or don’t have enough to thwart lady luck. As long as you practice it you cant lose it. 5. Bring your “A++++ game” to the table every time you play. This is one of those easier said than done things. But if you make the choice to do it you’ll fair far better than if you hadn’t. 6. Pay attention to your state of mind and emotions while in the game. If you feel GREAT and like you could conquer the world then keep playing. If you feel angry and frustrated its time to quite for the day. Acknowledge your emotions too don’t lie to your self and say “I’m fine” when your not. This only confuses your brain which makes you play worse. A sure way to end up on the rail. Play when your mind is prepared to. 7. The game will always be there tomarrow so don’t feel that you have to keep playing when it was time to cash out five hours ago. It’ll there for you when you return. 8. Avoid people on the rail like the PLAGUE! When in the presence of greatness people are inspired to be great. “Railers” fall into the opposite category of greatness. No poker player has ever aspired to a so-so poker career, that I know of. 9. Lending money to anyone is a bad idea but even worse to a railer. If your in the business of giving away money that’s fine otherwise avoid the practice. Cause you wont see it ever again. 10. Even worse than #9 and #8 combined is this: taking advice from a railbird. Think about it: they’re penny-less and unable to play poker. What SOUND advice could a person in that situation give you? None. So don’t take any. It is sure to hinder your progress. Good luck! |
