Having the Right Mindset in the Game of Poker
An outstanding no limit means putting your stack on the line when you have the advantage. Having the advantage is nothing compared with possessing the sure thing. You may have the advantage with a large all-in bluff, but there are times that you can get unlucky and will be called by your opponent. You may possess the advantage by going all-in on the card flop with the nuts but you will be drawn by the river.
If you possess a good pair against a player that is categorized as a loose player, you can usually go all-in. It is a good play because they will usually call even with difficult card hands. But they will also call with good card hands. If you are playing optimally and picking the appropriate risks, you can get a good pair against an average player possessing a set and you will be stacked. Ponder on the last example, you will make a large all-in with a good pair.
A bad player you have been aiming for the entire game and throw a set. Would you feel bad? A lot of players would be really upset if that is the case especially those people that is just beginners in a no-limit poker game. Their ego has been bruised in this situation. It is either that they make unsolicited plays with questionable hands because they are over confidents or they do not do some things in order to protect their reputation. That line of thinking must be avoided because it will not benefit your cause at all.
If the other players in the game that you are currently involve in is ignorant enough to call in an all-in wager with a middle card pair, then trying to move in with your good pair is just the good thing to do. Your main goal in the game is to pick the best decision in a situation. Complaining about an unfavorable beat is also a glaring symptom of a bad ego. If you are constantly complaining about an unfavorable beat, it will not do you any good. But remember that there are poker games that you will win and lose.
There is no shame if you lose because it is just a part of the game. You cannot make a decent decision if you are being hindered by your ego. You also have to set a limit on until what point you will play in a game and threat each game as a learning activity.