161 – Alex Fitzgerald – The Winning Edges
Summary:
Alex Fitzgerald, a renowned poker pro from the USA, has earned over $3.9 million across live and online games, including notable wins in the WCOOP and SCOOP. Known as “Assassinato” online, his expertise shines in major tournaments like the WPT and EPT. Turning pro in 2006, Fitzgerald has adeptly navigated poker’s evolution, becoming a leading coach. His passion for teaching poker strategy and game theory has made him a key mentor in the community, emphasizing his dedication to the game’s intellectual and competitive aspects.
Time Stamped Show Notes:
[00:34] Welcome to the show…
- 02:00 Transitioning from various jobs to professional poker and content creation, emphasizing joy and educational value in private coaching.
- 05:00 Investing everything in playing high-stake games, discovering the crucial role of table selection in profitability and career stability.
- 06:45 Embracing less popular poker sites for their easier games can lead to significant profit, despite software frustrations and professional players’ avoidance.
- 08:29 Acknowledging personal resistance to changing poker platforms reveals the importance of seeking value over software quality in achieving success.
[10:25] Transitioning a hobby to a career introduces unexpected burdens like financial and health insurance management, challenging the notion of freedom.
- 13:22 Professional poker introduces continuous stress and financial pressures, contrasting with the stability and lesser worries of traditional employment.
- 17:30 Achieving success in professional poker, like in sports, demands significant discipline, organization, and a structured approach to maximize profits and performance.
- 20:48 Discipline in sleep, diet, and exercise is crucial for maintaining peak performance in poker, especially as one ages, with preparation being key to achieving an optimal flow state.
- 25:00 Maintaining discipline in lifestyle choices directly influences a poker player’s success by enhancing focus and decision-making during crucial moments.
[30:02] Improving in poker involves deliberate practice and focusing on specific areas for improvement, such as folding bluff catchers on the river, to learn and adapt one’s strategy systematically.
- 35:00 Active learning through collaboration and feedback, such as presenting strategies to study partners for critique, enhances understanding and application of poker concepts.
- 40:00 Effective poker strategy simplification and emotional management are key to decision-making, emphasizing the role of preparation and control over intangibles.
- 45:07 Achieving a flow state and managing emotions in poker requires good sleep and preparation, underscoring the importance of aligning subconscious and conscious intentions for optimal performance.
- 46:49 Gut instincts in poker are reliable when grounded in extensive knowledge and experience, highlighting the need for preparation and emotional stability.
- 49:19 Continuing with private coaching and training packages remains a priority, offering intellectual stimulation and global interactions. Balancing this with participating in live tournaments, there’s a hope for major success, supported by a well-established routine and sharpened poker instincts.
Wrap up—Thanks For Checking Out This Episode Of The Mindset Advantage Podcast!
Key Learning Points:
- Deliberate Practice and Preparation: Success in poker is significantly influenced by focused study, deliberate practice, and the integration of deep knowledge into one’s strategy, enabling more reliable gut instincts and decision-making in high-stakes situations.
- Emotional Management and Mental Training: Effective emotional control and mental preparedness are crucial for peak performance, highlighting the importance of addressing intangibles like diet, sleep, and exercise to maintain a stable and focused mindset during play.
- The Importance of Adaptability: Balancing various aspects of a poker career, including playing, coaching, and content creation, requires adaptability and the ability to maintain a healthy routine, which can lead to greater enjoyment and success in both personal and professional life.
Contact/Resources
Alex’s Website: Pokerheadrush.com
Alex’s Tik Tok
Alex’s Instagram
Get The A-Game Poker Masterclass
Free Poker Mindset Audios on Youtube
Free Primed Mind Primers on Youtube
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