Advanced poker tips

Focus on positional awareness to gain a significant edge over your opponents. Playing more hands in late position and tightening up in early position allows you to control the flow of the game. For example, consider raising with suited connectors or small pairs in late position, as these hands perform well when you have more information about your opponents’ actions.

Pay close attention to bet sizing to maximize value and minimize losses. Adjust your bets based on the board texture and your opponent’s tendencies. On dry boards, smaller bets can extract value from weaker hands, while larger bets on coordinated boards protect your strong holdings. A well-timed overbet can also disrupt your opponent’s decision-making process.

Develop a balanced range to keep your opponents guessing. Mix in bluffs with your value bets to avoid becoming predictable. For instance, if you frequently bet top pair on the flop, occasionally bluff with backdoor draws or overcards. This approach makes it harder for opponents to exploit your strategy.

Use hand reading to narrow down your opponent’s range. Analyze their actions, bet sizes, and timing to make informed decisions. If an opponent checks on a draw-heavy board, they might be weak or setting a trap. Adjust your strategy accordingly by either applying pressure or exercising caution.

Finally, practice mental discipline to stay focused during long sessions. Avoid tilting by setting clear goals and taking breaks when needed. A calm, analytical mindset helps you make better decisions and capitalize on your opponents’ mistakes.

Advanced Poker Strategies to Improve Your Game

Focus on exploiting player tendencies rather than relying solely on GTO (Game Theory Optimal) play. Identify patterns in your opponents’ behavior, such as over-folding to 3-bets or calling too wide in certain spots. Adjust your strategy to target these weaknesses, whether it’s by bluffing more against tight players or value betting thinner against loose opponents.

Master Hand Reading

Improve your ability to narrow down opponents’ ranges by analyzing their actions on each street. For example, if a player raises preflop and then checks the flop, they likely missed the board or are holding a marginal hand. Use this information to decide whether to bet for value or bluff. Pay attention to bet sizing, timing, and position to refine your reads.

Incorporate balanced ranges into your play to remain unpredictable. Avoid becoming too predictable with your bluffs or value bets. For instance, if you only bluff with low cards, observant opponents will catch on. Mix in bluffs with strong hands in similar spots to keep your strategy balanced and harder to counter.

Optimize Your Fold Equity

Understand the concept of fold equity and use it to your advantage. When you raise or bet, calculate the likelihood that your opponent will fold based on their tendencies and the board texture. For example, on a dry board like 7-2-2, your opponent is less likely to have connected, making it a good spot to apply pressure with a bluff or semi-bluff.

Adjust your aggression based on stack sizes. In deeper stack situations, focus on building pots with strong hands and avoid marginal spots. With shorter stacks, prioritize stealing blinds and making well-timed shoves to maximize your fold equity.

Finally, practice mental game discipline. Avoid tilting after bad beats or letting emotions dictate your decisions. Stay focused on making the best play in each situation, regardless of short-term results. This mindset will help you maintain consistency and improve your long-term profitability.

Understanding Hand Ranges and Opponent Tendencies

Start by assigning a range of hands to your opponent based on their actions. For example, if a player raises from early position, their range likely includes strong hands like pocket pairs, suited connectors, and broadway cards. Narrow this range further as the hand progresses by observing their betting patterns and tendencies.

How to Build and Adjust Ranges

Use preflop charts as a foundation, but adjust them based on your opponent’s behavior. For instance:

• If a player frequently limps, include weaker hands like suited aces or small pairs in their range.
• Against aggressive players, widen their range to include bluffs and semi-bluffs.
• Against tight players, narrow their range to premium hands only.

Postflop, reassess their range based on how they react to the board. If they check-raise on a dry board, they likely have a strong hand or a draw. If they call multiple streets, consider medium-strength hands or draws.

Exploiting Opponent Tendencies

Identify patterns in your opponent’s play to exploit their weaknesses. For example:

• If a player folds too often to continuation bets, increase your c-bet frequency.
• Against players who overvalue top pair, value bet thinner and avoid bluffing.
• If an opponent rarely bluffs, fold more often to their aggression.

Keep notes on specific tendencies, such as how often they bluff river or their preferred bet sizing. Use this information to make informed decisions in future hands.

Combine hand range analysis with opponent tendencies to make optimal decisions. For example, if you suspect an opponent is bluffing on the river, compare their range to the board texture. If their range is weak and their tendency is to bluff, call more often. If their range is strong and they rarely bluff, fold unless you have a strong hand.

Practice assigning ranges and adjusting them in real-time. Use tools like equity calculators to test your assumptions and refine your understanding of hand ranges and opponent tendencies.

Mastering the Art of Bluffing in Different Game Phases

Bluffing effectively requires adapting your strategy to each game phase. In early stages, focus on tight, selective bluffs. Use your position to apply pressure on opponents with weaker ranges. For example, a well-timed continuation bet on the flop can force folds from players who missed the board.

Bluffing on the Flop

On the flop, target dry boards with few draws. A bluff works best when the texture doesn’t connect with your opponent’s likely range. For instance, if you raise pre-flop and the flop comes 9-7-2 rainbow, a c-bet often succeeds because your opponent’s range is wide and unlikely to hit this board. Keep your bet sizing consistent with your value bets to avoid giving away tells.

Bluffing on the Turn and River

As the hand progresses, your bluffs should become more calculated. On the turn, consider semi-bluffing with draws or blockers. For example, holding a flush draw while betting can win the pot immediately or improve your hand on the river. On the river, bluff only when your story makes sense. If you’ve shown strength throughout the hand, a well-sized river bet can convince opponents to fold marginal holdings.

Pay attention to opponent tendencies. Against cautious players, increase bluff frequency. Against aggressive opponents, use bluffs sparingly and focus on trapping them with strong hands. Always balance your bluffing range to remain unpredictable and maximize your edge.

Utilizing Positional Advantage to Control the Pot

Play more hands in late position, especially when opponents show weakness. For example, if players fold to you on the button, widen your opening range to include suited connectors and weaker broadway hands. This allows you to steal blinds and build pots when you have the upper hand.

Use your position to dictate the size of the pot. When you’re last to act, you can choose to check back and keep the pot small with marginal hands or bet to build the pot with strong holdings. For instance, if you flop top pair on the button and the board is dry, consider a smaller bet to extract value without bloating the pot unnecessarily.

Leverage your position to control the flow of the hand. If you’re in the cutoff or button, you can apply pressure by raising preflop and continuing with a c-bet on the flop. This forces opponents in earlier positions to make difficult decisions, often leading them to fold weaker hands.

Pay attention to stack sizes when using positional advantage. In deep-stacked games, you can afford to play more speculative hands from late position, knowing you have room to maneuver post-flop. Conversely, in short-stacked situations, focus on playing stronger hands and using your position to push opponents out of pots.

Adjust your aggression based on the tendencies of players in the blinds. If they frequently defend with weak hands, increase your stealing frequency. If they’re tight, exploit their folding tendencies by raising wider and applying pressure post-flop.

When you’re out of position, minimize your losses by playing tighter and avoiding marginal spots. Save your aggression for hands where you can confidently take control of the pot. This balance ensures you maximize value when you have the advantage and minimize risk when you don’t.

Adjusting Your Play Style Based on Table Dynamics

Pay close attention to how your opponents are playing and adjust your strategy accordingly. If the table is filled with tight players who fold often, increase your aggression by raising and stealing blinds more frequently. Conversely, if the table is loose and aggressive, tighten your range and focus on playing premium hands to capitalize on their mistakes.

Identify Player Types Early

Within the first few orbits, categorize players into types: tight-passive, loose-aggressive, or somewhere in between. Tight-passive players rarely bluff and stick to strong hands, so avoid bluffing them and value bet more often. Against loose-aggressive opponents, exploit their tendency to overplay hands by trapping them with strong holdings or folding marginal hands when they show strength.

Adapt to Stack Sizes

Adjust your play based on stack sizes at the table. Against short stacks, focus on applying pressure with wider ranges, as they are more likely to commit with weaker hands. When facing deep stacks, play more cautiously and avoid large pots without a strong hand, as they have more room to maneuver and outplay you post-flop.

If you notice a player frequently limping into pots, punish them by raising with a wider range to isolate them in heads-up situations. This forces them to play out of position and makes it harder for them to realize their equity.

Exploit Table Tendencies

When the table is passive and rarely raises preflop, take control by opening more hands and building pots when you have position. If the table is overly aggressive, tighten your range and let them bluff into you. Use their aggression against them by check-raising or calling down with strong hands.

Finally, stay flexible. Table dynamics can shift as players adjust or new players join. Continuously reassess the situation and adapt your strategy to maintain an edge over your opponents.

Implementing Balanced Bet Sizing for Maximum Deception

Use a consistent bet sizing strategy that blends value bets and bluffs to keep opponents guessing. For example, if you bet 75% of the pot with strong hands like top pair or better, apply the same sizing with semi-bluffs or pure bluffs. This balance makes it difficult for opponents to categorize your range and exploit your tendencies.

Adjust your bet sizes based on board texture and opponent tendencies. On dry boards, smaller bets (50-60% of the pot) can work well for both value and bluffs, as fewer draws are available. On wet boards, larger bets (75-100% of the pot) can apply pressure and deny equity to drawing hands. Tailor your sizing to the specific dynamics of the hand.

Key Factors for Balanced Bet Sizing

Consider these elements when deciding your bet size:

• Pot Control: Use smaller bets when you want to keep the pot manageable with marginal hands or when out of position.
• Fold Equity: Increase your bet size when you want to maximize the chance of forcing folds, especially against tight or cautious players.
• Stack Depth: Adjust sizing based on effective stacks. Deeper stacks allow for larger bets to build pots, while shorter stacks require more precise sizing.

Example Scenarios

Scenario	Recommended Bet Size	Reasoning
Dry Board (e.g., A♠ 7♦ 2♣)	50-60% of the pot	Smaller bets extract value without overcommitting.
Wet Board (e.g., 9♥ 8♥ 5♦)	75-100% of the pot	Larger bets deny equity to drawing hands and build the pot.
Heads-Up Against a Passive Player	60-70% of the pot	Moderate sizing balances value and bluff frequency.

Practice mixing your bet sizes in similar spots to create uncertainty. For instance, if you always bet 75% of the pot on the turn with strong hands, occasionally use the same sizing with weaker holdings. This unpredictability forces opponents to make mistakes, either by folding too often or calling with inferior hands.

Review your hand histories to identify patterns in your bet sizing. If you notice a tendency to overbet with strong hands and underbet with bluffs, work on balancing these ranges. Tools like poker tracking software can help analyze your tendencies and refine your strategy.

Exploiting Common Mistakes of Recreational Players

Recreational players often overvalue weak hands like Ace-rag or suited connectors. Target these players by isolating them in pots when they limp in, as they tend to call too wide preflop. Raise larger than usual to maximize value, as they rarely adjust their calling ranges based on bet sizing.

Many recreational players struggle with folding post-flop, especially when they hit any piece of the board. If they call a flop bet, continue applying pressure on the turn and river with well-timed bluffs or value bets. They often chase draws or overvalue middle pair, making them predictable targets for aggression.

Pay attention to their bet sizing patterns. Recreational players often telegraph the strength of their hands by betting too small with strong holdings or too large with weak ones. Use this information to adjust your decisions, folding when they show strength and raising when they appear uncertain.

Another common mistake is playing too passively. Recreational players frequently check or call when they should be betting or raising. Exploit this by betting more frequently in position, forcing them to make difficult decisions with marginal hands. They often fold too much when faced with aggression, giving you opportunities to steal pots.

Finally, recreational players often fail to adjust to table dynamics. If you notice one player dominating the action, they may tilt or play more recklessly. Target these players by widening your value range and isolating them in pots when they’re emotionally compromised.

Incorporating GTO Principles in Your Decision-Making

Start by analyzing your default strategy and identifying spots where you can introduce balanced ranges. For example, on the river, mix value bets and bluffs in a way that makes your opponent indifferent to calling or folding. If you bet 2/3 of the pot, aim for a 2:1 ratio of value hands to bluffs to maintain equilibrium.

Use solvers to study common scenarios and understand how GTO strategies adjust based on stack sizes, positions, and board textures. For instance, in a 100bb cash game, your opening range from the button should include around 40-45% of hands, with a mix of strong and speculative holdings. This balance prevents opponents from exploiting you by over-folding or over-calling.

When facing aggression, apply GTO principles by defending your range appropriately. Against a 3-bet, defend roughly 30-40% of your opening range, depending on the opponent’s tendencies and stack depth. This ensures you’re not folding too often or calling too wide, which can be exploited.

In multiway pots, adjust your GTO approach by narrowing your value range and widening your bluffing range. For example, on a dry board like K-7-2 rainbow, focus on betting hands with showdown value and occasional bluffs, as opponents are less likely to fold in multiway scenarios.

Balance your check-raising range by including both strong hands and bluffs. On a wet board like J-9-7 with two hearts, check-raise with top pairs, draws, and some air to keep your opponents guessing. This prevents them from exploiting your checks by betting too frequently.

Finally, practice implementing GTO concepts in low-stakes games or simulations to build confidence. Over time, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how to balance your ranges and make unexploitable decisions, even against skilled opponents.

Analyzing Hand Histories to Identify Leaks in Your Strategy

Review your hand histories regularly to spot patterns in your play that may reveal weaknesses. Focus on hands where you faced tough decisions or lost significant pots, as these often highlight areas for improvement. Use poker tracking software to filter hands by specific criteria, such as position, stack size, or opponent type, to make your analysis more targeted.

Key Metrics to Focus On

• VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money In Pot): Check if you’re playing too many hands from certain positions, especially early ones. A high VPIP from early position can indicate overplaying marginal hands.
• PFR (Pre-Flop Raise): Compare your PFR to your VPIP. A large gap suggests you’re calling too often pre-flop instead of raising, which can make your play predictable.
• Aggression Frequency: Analyze how often you’re betting or raising versus checking or calling. Passive play in key spots can signal missed opportunities to apply pressure.

Common Leaks to Watch For

1. Overvaluing Marginal Hands: Look for spots where you called down with weak pairs or second-best hands. These situations often lead to unnecessary losses.
2. Failing to Adjust to Opponents: Identify hands where you didn’t adapt to an opponent’s tendencies, such as folding too often against aggressive players or not exploiting passive ones.
3. Ignoring Pot Odds: Check if you’re making calls without proper odds, especially in drawing situations. Consistently chasing draws without the right equity is a costly mistake.

After identifying leaks, create a plan to address them. For example, if you notice you’re folding too often to river bets, practice calling more in spots where opponents are likely bluffing. Use hand history reviews to test your adjustments and track progress over time.

Finally, share hands with trusted peers or coaches for feedback. A fresh perspective can help you spot issues you might have missed and refine your strategy further.

Q&A:

How can I improve my bluffing skills in poker?

Bluffing effectively requires understanding your opponents’ tendencies and the context of the game. Start by observing how often your opponents fold to aggression. Use bluffs sparingly and in situations where your story makes sense—for example, when the board texture aligns with the hands you might realistically have. Avoid bluffing against players who rarely fold, and focus on targeting those who are more cautious. Timing and table image also play a key role; if you’ve been playing tight, your bluffs are more likely to succeed.

What are some advanced strategies for playing in position?

Playing in position gives you a significant advantage because you act last, allowing you to make more informed decisions. To maximize this, focus on controlling the size of the pot. When you have a strong hand, consider smaller bets to keep weaker hands in the pot. Conversely, when you’re bluffing or semi-bluffing, larger bets can pressure your opponents. Additionally, use your position to steal blinds more often, especially in late stages of tournaments. Always pay attention to how your opponents react to your positional plays and adjust accordingly.

How do I handle tilt and maintain focus during long sessions?

Tilt can be a major obstacle in poker. To manage it, set clear limits for yourself, both in terms of time and money. Take regular breaks to reset your mindset, especially after losing a big pot. Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, to stay calm under pressure. Additionally, avoid playing when you’re tired or emotionally distracted. Keeping a journal of your sessions can help you identify patterns in your behavior and improve your emotional control over time.

What’s the best way to adjust my strategy against aggressive players?

Against aggressive opponents, tighten your starting hand range and focus on playing strong hands. Let them do the betting for you when you have a premium hand, and avoid bluffing into their aggression. Use their tendencies against them by trapping with strong hands or calling down lighter when you suspect they’re overbluffing. Pay attention to their bet sizing and timing to spot weaknesses in their strategy. Adjusting to aggression requires patience and discipline, so avoid getting caught up in their pace.

How can I improve my hand reading skills?

Hand reading involves analyzing your opponents’ actions and narrowing down their possible holdings. Start by considering their pre-flop tendencies—do they raise with a wide range or only strong hands? Post-flop, evaluate how the board connects with their likely range. Take notes on their betting patterns and use this information to make more accurate assumptions. Practice reviewing hands after sessions to identify where your reads were correct or incorrect. Over time, this will help you make better decisions in real-time.

How can I improve my bluffing skills in poker?

Improving your bluffing skills requires understanding your opponents’ tendencies and the context of the game. Start by observing how often your opponents fold to aggression. Use bluffs selectively, targeting players who are more likely to fold. Timing is key—bluff when the board texture favors your perceived range. Additionally, balance your bluffs with value bets to avoid becoming predictable. Practice in low-stakes games to refine your strategy without significant risk.

What are some advanced strategies for playing in position?

Playing in position gives you a significant advantage, as you act last and can make more informed decisions. To maximize this, focus on controlling the pot size based on your hand strength. Use smaller bets to keep weaker opponents in the hand and larger bets to pressure them when you have a strong hand. Additionally, widen your opening range in late position and steal blinds more aggressively. Always pay attention to how your opponents react to your actions and adjust accordingly.

How do I handle tilt and maintain focus during long sessions?

Tilt can severely impact your performance, so managing it is critical. Set clear session goals and stick to them, whether it’s a time limit or a profit/loss threshold. Take regular breaks to clear your mind, especially after losing a big pot. Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, to stay calm under pressure. If you feel overwhelmed, step away from the table and return when you’re in a better mental state. Consistency and discipline are key to long-term success.

What’s the best way to analyze my opponents’ playing styles?

To analyze opponents, pay attention to their betting patterns, hand selection, and reactions to different situations. Look for tendencies like over-folding, over-calling, or aggression in specific spots. Use tools like HUDs (Heads-Up Displays) if playing online to track statistics such as VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money in Pot) and PFR (Pre-Flop Raise). Over time, categorize players into types (e.g., tight-aggressive, loose-passive) and adjust your strategy to exploit their weaknesses. Regularly review hand histories to refine your reads.

How can I balance my range effectively in poker?

Balancing your range means ensuring that your betting patterns don’t reveal the strength of your hand. Mix bluffs and value bets in similar situations to keep opponents guessing. For example, if you bet big on the river with strong hands, occasionally do the same with weaker hands. Avoid becoming too predictable by varying your bet sizes and timing. Study GTO (Game Theory Optimal) concepts to understand how to construct balanced ranges, but also adapt to your opponents’ tendencies for maximum profitability.

How can I improve my bluffing skills in poker?

Improving your bluffing skills requires a mix of strategy and observation. First, understand your opponents’ tendencies—bluffing works best against players who fold often. Timing is also critical; bluff when the board texture favors your perceived range. For example, if the flop has high cards and you’ve been playing tight, opponents are more likely to believe you have a strong hand. Additionally, avoid over-bluffing, as experienced players will catch on. Practice balancing your bluffs with value bets to keep your play unpredictable. Finally, always consider the pot odds and your opponents’ likely actions before attempting a bluff.

Reviews

James Carter

Advanced strategies? Sure, if you enjoy losing money while pretending to be a math wizard. Bluffing feels like trying to convince a cat to fetch. And pot odds? More like pot *nots*. Even if you master it all, some guy with sunglasses and a hoodie will still call your all-in with 7-2 offsuit and win. Poker’s just a fancy way to hate yourself.

**Names List:**

You think you’ve got poker figured out? Think again. Every hand is a battlefield, and if you’re not sweating, you’re not playing. Forget luck—this is about outsmarting, outlasting, and out-bluffing. You want to win? Push your limits. Make moves that feel insane, then watch them work. Fear is your enemy, hesitation is death. Trust your gut, but sharpen your mind. The table doesn’t care about your excuses—it only respects results. So, stop playing safe. Play bold. Play ruthless. And when you’re down, double down. That’s how legends are made. Now go crush it.

Sophia

The exploration of advanced poker strategies demands a nuanced understanding of psychology, probability, and adaptability. What stands out is the emphasis on balancing aggression with restraint—knowing when to exploit opponents’ tendencies without overextending. The discussion on range construction and board texture is particularly insightful, as it highlights how subtle shifts in hand selection can dictate the flow of a game. Equally compelling is the focus on meta-game adjustments, where the ability to read and manipulate table dynamics becomes a weapon. However, I found the treatment of bluffing frequencies somewhat superficial; a deeper analysis of how to calibrate bluffs against varying player archetypes would have elevated the discourse. Still, the integration of equity realization and fold equity is masterfully articulated, offering a clear framework for decision-making under pressure. A thoughtful read for those seeking to refine their edge.

Emma

Ah, poker strategies—because nothing screams “self-improvement” like spending hours mastering the art of bluffing people out of their money. Sure, these advanced tactics might make you feel like a genius when you pull off a perfectly timed raise, but let’s be real: half the table is either drunk, distracted, or just there for the free snacks. And let’s not forget the inevitable tilt when some amateur with zero strategy beats your “masterful” play with a lucky river card. So, while you’re busy calculating pot odds and memorizing hand ranges, remember that poker is still a glorified guessing game dressed up in a suit of math and psychology. But hey, at least you’ll look smart while losing your rent money.

StarlightDreamer

Oh, the thrill of a well-played hand! There’s something almost poetic about mastering the subtle art of poker—reading opponents like a novel, folding with grace, and raising with confidence. It’s not just about the cards; it’s about the story you weave at the table. The way you balance aggression with restraint, the way you let silence speak louder than words—it’s a dance of strategy and intuition. And when you finally pull off that perfect bluff, it’s like watching the stars align. Poker isn’t just a game; it’s a reflection of how you handle life’s uncertainties. Every decision, every risk, every moment of patience—it’s all part of the beautiful, chaotic symphony of the game. Play smart, play bold, and let the chips fall where they may.

Ava Garcia

Seriously, do any of you even know what a flop is, or are you just here to pretend you’re not folding every hand like scared little fish? How do you expect to win if you can’t even bluff your way out of a paper bag? Or are you all just here to lose your rent money and cry about it later?

Ethan Martinez

Wow, this is solid stuff! I’ve been playing poker for years, but these tips really opened my eyes. The focus on reading opponents and adjusting bets based on position is gold. I tried the bluffing techniques last night, and they worked like a charm. Also, the breakdown of pot odds made so much sense—finally! It’s not just theory; it’s practical and easy to apply. My game’s already improving, and I feel way more confident at the table. Big thanks for sharing these insights—definitely a game booster for anyone serious about poker!

Olivia Brown

Poker’s not just about luck; it’s a grind. You’ll lose hands, tilt, and question your choices. But every fold, bluff, or call teaches something. Stay sharp, adapt quietly, and don’t let the bad beats break you. Keep pushing—small edges add up.

BlazeRunner

While the discussion on advanced poker strategies offers some valuable insights, it feels overly reliant on theoretical concepts without sufficient emphasis on practical application. The focus on GTO (Game Theory Optimal) play, while relevant, might alienate intermediate players who are still mastering fundamental skills. Additionally, the lack of detailed examples or hand analyses makes it harder to visualize how these strategies translate to real-game scenarios. The section on bluffing frequencies is intriguing but could benefit from a deeper exploration of opponent profiling and table dynamics, which are critical in live play. Furthermore, the absence of any mention of bankroll management or psychological resilience feels like a missed opportunity, as these aspects are inseparable from long-term success. While the content is solid, it risks oversimplifying the complexity of high-level play, leaving readers with more questions than actionable advice.

Emma Johnson

So, when you talk about balancing aggression with patience, how do you know when to switch gears without tipping off your opponents? Is there a telltale sign, or is it more about reading the room and trusting your gut? And what about those moments when the math says one thing, but your instincts scream another—do you ever ignore the numbers, or is that just a fast track to disaster? Also, how much of this “advanced” stuff is just overthinking, and how much actually works when the stakes are high and the table’s watching?

Mia

Sometimes, I sit at the table, cards in hand, and wonder if it’s the game I’m playing or the ghosts of my own choices. Poker feels like a mirror, reflecting not just odds but the quiet weight of every fold, every bluff. The strategies—they’re there, sharp and calculated, but what lingers is the ache of knowing when to let go. Maybe it’s not about winning but learning to sit with the losses, to see them not as failures but as whispers of something deeper. The chips stack, the blinds rise, and still, I’m left wondering: is it the game I’m mastering, or myself?