Poker used to be an old man's game, but now it is dominated by men in their twenties. Lots of people explain this as a reflection of how the young men are naturally more aggressive than their mellower elders, and aggression translates into success at poker. While I agree with this generalization, I don't think it provides a complete explanation why these kids are doing so well.
A private theory I have is that young people are more self-conscious; they are keenly aware of how others perceive them, and this greater self-awareness is at least as important as aggression when it comes to winning at poker. Young people are still "finding themselves" - trying different fashions, life-styles, friends and even trying different moral codes and belief systems. All the while they are "finding themselves" they are monitoring what other people think of them, usually trying to impress certain people and annoy certain people. When young people play poker, that part of their brain that detects how others think about them is more alert.
Old people, the ones who found themselves long ago, don't really give a rat's ass what others think of them. They have stopped monitoring the reactions others have to them. They just don't care.
Old people. Well, we've seen it all haven't we? From our years of experience we've learned to categorize poker opponents into groups an employ different styles depending on what group the opponent falls into. This works fine in general, but it leaves us open to unexpected plays - perhaps from an observant young guy who can change gears on us.
Experience is wonderful, but it can actually be a liability if you just keep doing the same things that have always worked for you. Like it or not, you have to keep adjusting your game - if you don't then don't be surprised if a kid who doesn't look old enough to drive takes all your chips.
Don't let your experience make you complacent.
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