Does Superstition Have a Place in Poker?
Superstition has been part of man's life for as long as anyone can remember. If you read history books and historical novels, you will see that life has always been rife with beliefs that are not necessarily based on anything logical. That is the exact definition of a superstition - an illogical belief. You would think that with the heights technology and science have achieved, there would be no place for such beliefs. Of course, that is not the case. In most any aspect of modern life, people hold on to superstitions. Whether one is aware or not, it is likely that superstition has a place in one's life.
Take poker for example. It has always been perceived by the general public as a game of luck. That in itself would be a breeding ground for superstition - luck and such beliefs go hand in hand. Yet anyone who has had some experience playing poker would tell you that luck may be a factor but it is by no means the only factor. In fact, skill plays a larger role if you look at the larger picture. So where does superstition fit in?
Look into the lives of some famous poker players - and even the not so famous ones - and the chances are that you would find some sort of lucky charm or lucky ritual somewhere. Some players have a rabbit's foot keychain in their pockets. Others keep a special photograph in their wallets. Another quaint superstition involves coins. If, on your way to a poker game, you see a coin on the ground, do not pick it up immediately. First see if it is laying face down. If it is, leave it alone - it will only bring you bad luck. However, if the coin is laying face up, then pick it up, put it in your pocket and Lady Luck will shine upon you during your game.
Culture also affects the way one perceives luck. Some African Americans believe in mojo. This is a small pouch made of flannel in different colors. Mojos contain one magical thing or another. The mojo for money is green. In order to be effective, you must carry the green mojo on your person during a poker game.
If you are the type of person who does not go for the supernatural or mystical, then you would not buy this sort of thing. Yet think about it, perhaps these good luck charms are effective in their own way. People who believe in them are affected in a positive way simply because of one thing - their belief. They believe that they will be lucky and this puts them in a positive mindset. You ought to know the power of the mind. Believing in one's self has always been one of the factors for success. It is no different in poker. A four leaf clover in itself may have no magical powers but the person who believes that he will be lucky will come into a game more confident. That may just give him the push he needs to play and win.
Superstitions may not be logical, but they do give you that mental and emotional edge!
Superstition has been part of man's life for as long as anyone can remember. If you read history books and historical novels, you will see that life has always been rife with beliefs that are not necessarily based on anything logical. That is the exact definition of a superstition - an illogical belief. You would think that with the heights technology and science have achieved, there would be no place for such beliefs. Of course, that is not the case. In most any aspect of modern life, people hold on to superstitions. Whether one is aware or not, it is likely that superstition has a place in one's life.
Take poker for example. It has always been perceived by the general public as a game of luck. That in itself would be a breeding ground for superstition - luck and such beliefs go hand in hand. Yet anyone who has had some experience playing poker would tell you that luck may be a factor but it is by no means the only factor. In fact, skill plays a larger role if you look at the larger picture. So where does superstition fit in?
Look into the lives of some famous poker players - and even the not so famous ones - and the chances are that you would find some sort of lucky charm or lucky ritual somewhere. Some players have a rabbit's foot keychain in their pockets. Others keep a special photograph in their wallets. Another quaint superstition involves coins. If, on your way to a poker game, you see a coin on the ground, do not pick it up immediately. First see if it is laying face down. If it is, leave it alone - it will only bring you bad luck. However, if the coin is laying face up, then pick it up, put it in your pocket and Lady Luck will shine upon you during your game.
Culture also affects the way one perceives luck. Some African Americans believe in mojo. This is a small pouch made of flannel in different colors. Mojos contain one magical thing or another. The mojo for money is green. In order to be effective, you must carry the green mojo on your person during a poker game.
If you are the type of person who does not go for the supernatural or mystical, then you would not buy this sort of thing. Yet think about it, perhaps these good luck charms are effective in their own way. People who believe in them are affected in a positive way simply because of one thing - their belief. They believe that they will be lucky and this puts them in a positive mindset. You ought to know the power of the mind. Believing in one's self has always been one of the factors for success. It is no different in poker. A four leaf clover in itself may have no magical powers but the person who believes that he will be lucky will come into a game more confident. That may just give him the push he needs to play and win.
Superstitions may not be logical, but they do give you that mental and emotional edge!
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