Lose with Pride, Win with Grace
We've all been there. On the losing side of a bad beat. We've also reaped the rewards as well. Questionable calls that worked in our favor, or the right call that ended on the rail. But the validity of a call, or the lack thereof, isn't what I'd like to address. I'd like to talk about what happens after the hand is over.
Lose with Pride
Whether you win or lose, how you handle the emotion of a positive or negative swing is your testament to being a true poker player. So many times, I've seen the losing hand belittle, harass, or not let go of a call on the other end. Lose with pride. Be proud that, when put to a decision, you made the best call you could given your experience and the situation. Yes, you got unlucky. But amateur or professional alike, it won't be the last time, I promise. One outters fall. That's poker. But hold your head up and focus on the next hand. Poker is a business. You don't get paid to teach, you get paid to win. It's not your job to tell someone they made a bad move, it's not your job to teach. Just be proud you played to the best of your ability and made it as far as skill and luck allowed.
Win with Grace
But there's a flip side to losing a hand: Winning. Win with grace. Don't gloat. Don't taunt. Don't celebrate like you scored the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl. Again, I say this is a business. Professionalism is paramount to success. If you're on the winning end of a bad beat, accept that it won't always be this way, as luck does favor the skilled. But win with grace and focus on the next task, winning it all.