Poker Pro Justin Bonomo on Poker Math vs. Psychology

Bodog poker pro Justin Bonomo pontificates on whether math or psychology is more important in poker. (Bodog Beat Image)"]

It's an age old question. Which is more important? Figuring out the math invloved with a certain call, raise or bet or figuring out the person you are playing against and what they are likely to do? Well, in today's installment of Bodog poker pro Justin Bonomo's new Q&A column, "Ask Justin," this exact issue is addressed.

See below for his thoughts on the matter:

Question:

I’ve read a many of your articles and blog posts and you seem to have a very balanced knowledge between the psychology and math of poker. Which aspect of your game do you depend on the most? Which are you strongest at or what’s most valuable to your success? What do you do to improve your knowledge and application of it?

Justin’s answer:

I think the term "math" gets the short end of the stick when it comes to poker. The "math guys" are good at critical thinking, not doing equations. Personally, I don't think psychology is anywhere near as important as the critical thinking and the general decision making process. The feel players tend to make decisions somewhat randomly. It's the "math guys" that are able to say "Normally I'd bet my top pair here, but this guy always bets when checked to on the turn. I'm going to check raise instead." or "My opponent never calls in this spot. He either makes a big raise or folds. I'm going to start betting smaller than normal to put him to the same decision for less of my stack." Being able to think like that is crucial to becoming a great poker player. The best way to get better at that is to have other good players to discuss strategy with. If you don't have that, try and find some poker playing friends. If you can't do that, there are good poker forums online, as well as good training sites that will help you get inside the head of a poker player going through the analytical process.

Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments, and if you want to see more, head over to Justin Bonomo's Poker Questions column and submit your questions today.