In your opinion, what’s the single most underrated skill in poker that separates average players from great ones?
Ruslan L
Legend
Platinum Level
It's hard to say, I'm not a professional player
But I assume that professionals have accumulated invaluable experience, which in certain situations allows them to make the right choice. Experience is a factor that depends solely on you, on your ability to learn from your mistakes and adjust your game accordingly.
Gutshot Gus
Legend
Platinum Level
You have to have the right "stuff."
Stuff is anything important to winning that isn't strategy.
Anyone can pick up on the strategy.
1) Knowledge of your opponents--You have to know as much about them as you possibly can so you know how to play against them.
2) Reading hands-- This is an art and a science. This is getting a feel for the game.
3) Discipline-- It doesn't matter how good you can play, What matters is how good you do play.
Stuff is anything important to winning that isn't strategy.
Anyone can pick up on the strategy.
1) Knowledge of your opponents--You have to know as much about them as you possibly can so you know how to play against them.
2) Reading hands-- This is an art and a science. This is getting a feel for the game.
3) Discipline-- It doesn't matter how good you can play, What matters is how good you do play.
FFinesser
Enthusiast
Silver Level
I’d say the most underrated skill is emotional control.
Many players know the math and strategy, but tilt makes them play badly after a bad beat.
Great players stay calm and keep making the right decisions no matter what happens.
Many players know the math and strategy, but tilt makes them play badly after a bad beat.
Great players stay calm and keep making the right decisions no matter what happens.
john_entony
feed the Fox
Loyaler
I think that the skill of folding on pre-flop when your opponent re-raises 2-3 times is a very valuable move that can protect your stack. In the course of the game, this is indeed difficult. And a lot depends on your opponent's playing style.
B
burba
Rock Star
Silver Level
I’d say one of the most underrated skills is adaptability.
A lot of players study charts, odds, and ranges (which is crucial), but they struggle when the game shifts outside of what they’re comfortable with. Great players can adjust their strategy based on stack sizes, table dynamics, image, and even how this specific opponent has been playing the last 20 hands.
It’s not just about knowing what the “right” move is in theory — it’s about recognizing when the situation calls for breaking from default strategy. The ability to shift gears, tighten up, open up, exploit a tendency, or suddenly go passive/aggressive is what keeps opponents guessing and prevents you from being predictable.
In my opinion, adaptability is the bridge between technical knowledge and actually winning consistently.
A lot of players study charts, odds, and ranges (which is crucial), but they struggle when the game shifts outside of what they’re comfortable with. Great players can adjust their strategy based on stack sizes, table dynamics, image, and even how this specific opponent has been playing the last 20 hands.
It’s not just about knowing what the “right” move is in theory — it’s about recognizing when the situation calls for breaking from default strategy. The ability to shift gears, tighten up, open up, exploit a tendency, or suddenly go passive/aggressive is what keeps opponents guessing and prevents you from being predictable.
In my opinion, adaptability is the bridge between technical knowledge and actually winning consistently.
Brigistul
Visionary
Platinum Level
I think this is the most intelligent answer! Congratulations!
Dejange
CC Delija
Loyaler
Control the Table, not giving much Chips to the opponents, outskin their souls by making right decisions, while observing also happenings on other tables. That is pure control in the MTT!
Humilate the opposition!
Humilate the opposition!
