Phil Galfond on 'Shooting' in Poker: Pros, Cons, and Considerations

Phil Galfond, a professional poker player, believes that 'shooting' — playing at higher stakes — can be beneficial for a player's development but is not suitable for everyone. Galfond mentions three reasons to consider 'shooting': accelerating the process of moving up stakes, practicing against stronger opponents, and maintaining interest in the game.

Tommy Angelo, a professional player and trainer, advises avoiding the phrase 'making a shot' and instead thinking of it as simply playing at a higher limit. He suggests that this decision should be made with a clear reason, just like any other poker move.

David Benefield, another professional player, notes that players often struggle with large pots and may make impulsive decisions. He observes that players who are not accustomed to high stakes might become overly aggressive or make poor decisions under pressure. This is supported by Malcolm Gladwell's book 'Blink,' which discusses how stress and adrenaline affect decision-making.