One can only imagine the pressures of playing a final table in a televised poker event. Between the pressures of trying to win a big payoff and the fear of being on public display, it’s no wonder that the seasoned pros often win these battles. These high-profile situations require that the players often stop play for technical reasons, so the taping crew can get things right and interviews can be done. So getting into a rhythm is usually impossible.

If that’s not enough to get to you, playing under the heat of the lights can wear down anyone’s resolve. You also know that your cards will eventually be seen by everyone, so you don’t want to look like a donkey to the world if you play a stupid hand. All you can do is to take on all these obstacles the same way you take on your opponents.