In tournament poker, having a great strategy is key, but executing it effectively under pressure is just as important. Andrew Moreno shares how to recognize and deal with mental distractions—what he calls “noise”—which can derail your game plan.
Awareness: The First Step Recognizing when you’re distracted by noise is crucial. Noise includes any thought that interferes with executing your strategy, such as:
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“I hope I cash this tournament.”
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“I really want to make Day 2.”
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“This could be my biggest score if I make it.”
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“I’m on a downswing; I need to make X amount to get back on track.”
These thoughts can cloud your judgment if not addressed. The key is to notice them in the moment.
The Game Plan Once you identify that you’re distracted, it’s time to refocus. Andrew’s process involves asking himself a series of questions to get back to the present and into the strategic mindset:
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How many big blinds do I have?
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How many big blinds do the other players have?
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What is my strategy with this many big blinds?
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If it folds to me, which hands will I open, and how do I respond to raises?
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How would I play this stack size in certain positions?
This routine helps Andrew return to the present moment and make clear, calculated decisions rather than relying on external factors or emotions.
High-Pressure Situations The noise is most pronounced in high-pressure moments, like final tables. In these moments, Andrew brings himself back to the basics—chip count, position, and strategy—so he can make the best decisions without being overwhelmed by external factors.
Make It Your Own The specific questions you ask yourself don’t need to mirror Andrew’s exactly. It’s about finding what works for you to stay present. If focusing on specific aspects of your strategy helps you concentrate, incorporate that into your process.
By recognizing noise and using a focused, present strategy, Andrew has been able to stay sharp in high-stakes situations, ensuring that distractions don’t take him off course.
You can follow Andrew on his coaching site, Amo4sho.com, or on social media (Instagram and X) for more insights and tips.
