Breaking Out of Auto-Pilot in Low to Mid-Stakes Poker

One of the biggest mistakes mid-stakes poker pros make is falling into a rigid, systematic style of play. Many players rely too heavily on preflop charts, standard bet sizes, and general “rules” they learned early on. While these can be useful in building a solid foundation, they can also act as a crutch that limits growth. The best players don’t just follow a set formula—they adapt to the table, spot deviations in opponents’ play, and make strategic adjustments when necessary.

Poker is a dynamic game where no two situations are exactly the same, yet many players treat them as if they are. The moment you start playing on auto-pilot—making the same c-bets, the same 3-bets, and folding or calling based on “standard” plays—you’re leaving money on the table. Instead of treating every decision as routine, mid-stakes pros should train themselves to question each move. Why is this bet size optimal here? Should I deviate from my usual strategy based on this opponent? What hidden EV am I missing by sticking to my standard lines? Here’s what poker pro Phil Galfond has to say on the subject: