We all expect that we can win but when it comes down to the table we sometimes falter.  What happened to our confidence at this point?  Why are we so eager to believe before the game yet unable to follow through?

Sometimes when the moment comes we start to disbelieve our abilities, the atmosphere oppressive, the tension unbearable, we start to sweat a little, muscles start to tighten and as a result our game start to go off the rails.

Three things can help this situation:

Preparation:
Learn to play in busy areas with real players, experience is that mother of all confidence tricks.

Routine:
Learn to do things in a routine manner.  Chalk the cue before each shot, time the shot, make that same movement every time with the cue.  When we master routine then it becomes habit.  Habit can get us out of some tight spots when we’re out of our comfort zone.

Learn to relax:
Each time you play then take a deep breath, slow down, make things enjoyable.  Take the fear out of the game.  Accept the challenges which lie ahead but most of all have fun, that can be as good a trick as anything.