You’re playing $2/$5 no-limit hold’em. You look down at A♠K♠ in middle position and raise to $20. The button and big blind both call.
The flop comes 9♥7♣3♦. The big blind checks, you bet $40, the button raises to $120, and the big blind folds. You have $600 left in your stack.
As you contemplate your next move, you notice your heart rate increasing and thoughts racing about previous hands where you’ve been in similar spots. You take a moment to focus on your breathing – inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling fully.
You bring your attention back to the present moment, noticing the texture of the felt, the weight of your chips, the sounds in the room. Rather than getting lost in anxious thoughts, you calmly assess the situation at hand.
After regaining your composure, you decide to call and re-evaluate on the turn. By staying present and mindful, you’re able to play your A-game regardless of the outcome.
The turn comes 6♦, bringing a potential straight draw. You check, and your opponent bets $200 into the $320 pot. After careful consideration, you decide to fold, recognizing that your opponent likely has a strong hand or draw.
You take another deep breath, acknowledging the urge to feel frustrated but choosing to remain calm and centered. You remind yourself that this is just one hand in a long session.
The very next hand, you’re dealt 7♦7♣ in the cutoff. It’s folded to you, and you raise to $20. The button calls, and both blinds fold.
The flop comes K♠7♥2♣, giving you a set. The button checks, and you bet $30. Your opponent calls.
The turn is the 9♦. Your opponent checks again, and you bet $75. They call once more.
The river brings the A♣. Your opponent checks a third time.
Had you been tilted from the previous hand, you might have overbet out of frustration or missed value by checking back. Instead, because you’ve maintained your composure and clarity, you’re able to think through the hand objectively.
You consider your opponent’s likely range and decide that a moderate bet will get called by worse hands like top pair. You bet $150 into the $250 pot.
Your opponent thinks for a moment and calls with K♦Q♠ for top pair. You show your set of sevens and rake in a significant pot.
By staying mindful and not letting the previous hand affect your mental state, you were able to play this strong hand optimally and maximize your profit.