In his latest reflection, Andrew Lichtenberger delves into the deeper philosophy of poker and life, blending intellectual strategy with emotional and spiritual growth. Drawing from both his poker career and personal experiences, Lichtenberger discusses the idea that self-awareness, preparation, and energy are vital to achieving success, not only in poker but in life itself.
The Connection Between Poker and Life
Lichtenberger argues that poker is a perfect microcosm of life, where success is influenced by both intellectual technique and self-awareness. By understanding ourselves at a deeper level, we are better equipped to handle the unpredictable nature of poker. He stresses that poker isn’t just about reading hands and making smart bets; it’s about recognizing our emotional patterns, our mindset, and our energy.
He emphasizes the reflection that poker offers—how our mistakes quickly reveal our own weaknesses, such as fear of loss or lack of presence at the table. These moments provide valuable opportunities for self-improvement, if we’re open to learning.
Poker as a Game of Incomplete Information
At its core, poker mirrors life’s uncertainties, where we must make the best decisions with the information we have. The key to success, according to Lichtenberger, lies in learning how to identify the “broken links” in our thought processes. When we can understand why we make certain decisions—whether it’s to bet, fold, or call—we begin to sharpen our intuition and make decisions more naturally and fluidly.
Lichtenberger likens this process to a dance on the felt, where the best players are those who have mastered their inner thoughts, feelings, and energy, making each decision seem effortless.
Preparation and Opportunity
Drawing wisdom from the Roman philosopher Seneca, Lichtenberger highlights the importance of preparation—that luck is really the result of preparation meeting opportunity. Success is built on a series of small wins accumulated over time, most of which happen when no one is watching. The consistent commitment to self-improvement and personal growth prepares us to meet life’s challenges head-on, giving us the ability to seize opportunities as they arise.
Vibration Precedes Manifestation
Lichtenberger introduces the concept of “Vibration Precedes Manifestation” as a guiding principle in both poker and life. He believes that success starts with inner energy—feeling like a winner before actually becoming one. Contrary to the popular notion that seeing is believing, he asserts that believing is seeing. The energy we bring to the table, both in poker and life, largely determines the experiences we have and the outcomes we achieve.
In his view, aspiring to an ideal, even one that may seem unrealistic, is a crucial step toward manifesting success. This mindset has worked for him in poker and life, and he encourages others to adopt it.
