From my experience, an elite player is someone who has had tremendous success in the biggest events under the spotlight. They are not necessarily putting in significant extra work than the next guy who's trying really hard to learn GTO and play excellent poker.
But when an elite player is caught in a situation they don't know well or presented with a high-pressure or unusual scenario or an element different from what they expected, they react to those situations exceptionally well.
They're creative in the moment. They take in and process information well. They can notice what's unique about a particular exact spot.
A good player may not have experienced certain situations enough times. That player may not have stepped outside the Solver streets enough or isn't confident enough in their abilities to make a play that might not be Solver approved. That player might struggle with those decisions.
The elite players are willing to do what needs to be done in most situations. They're better prepared to rise to the occasion.
Rabichow offers professional coaching at KevinRabichow.com.
