Patrick Leonard, an accomplished poker pro with over $2.5 million in live tournament earnings, shares his insights into the traits that separate successful players, or “crushers,” from the rest. Leonard has had several major tournament victories, including a series of high-stakes wins at the Aria High Roller and Belagio Cup, and often imparts his wisdom on Twitter. Here are the five most important traits of poker crushers, according to Leonard:
1. Strong Intuition / Instinct
While GTO (game-theory optimal) poker is a mathematically sound approach, it’s not always foolproof. As shown in the hand between Doug Polk and Phil Hellmuth, intuition and gut feelings can be just as important. In poker, understanding when you’re beaten, knowing when to fold, or even when to bluff based on your read of the table is a critical skill. Successful players trust their instincts to make moves that might not always align with the pure math but feel right in the moment.
2. Committed to Big Volume
Success in poker, much like in any field, is about putting in the hours. The top poker players consistently play and study the game. The road to expertise is long, and the best players are always playing, analyzing, and learning. Staying at the top requires maintaining the same dedication and volume even after reaching the highest levels.
3. Don’t Mind Looking Stupid / Care What Others Think
The willingness to act on intuition, even if it risks looking foolish, is a key trait of poker crushers. Whether it’s Michael Addamo’s overbet bluffs or Tom Dwan’s fearless calls with weak hands, top players aren’t afraid to take risks. They don’t let the fear of judgment stop them from making bold, unconventional plays that may defy conventional wisdom but are often correct in the long run.
4. Understand Theory Well Enough to Know Where to Exploit / What Regs Are Doing
Knowing the theory behind poker is crucial, but it’s just as important to understand how your opponents deviate from that theory. Successful players can spot these deviations and adjust their play accordingly. By understanding both GTO lines and the common mistakes of opponents, they exploit weaknesses effectively. This adaptability allows them to gain an edge, even against players who don’t play optimally.
5. Play BIG Pots, Don’t Small Ball
In today’s poker landscape, the days of playing “small ball” are behind. To win big, crushers focus on playing aggressive lines and building larger pots. Playing small pots doesn’t create enough pressure, and the opportunity to win big with both bluffs and made hands is lost. Crushing at poker often requires taking more significant risks and embracing larger pots, even if it’s a departure from the traditionally safer, more conservative approach.
These five traits, when combined, create a formula for poker success. Poker crushers are intuitive, committed, fearless, strategic, and willing to embrace risk to maximize their wins.
