Have You Ever Taken a Long Break From Poker?

Houbi37 · Nov 25, 2025

If yes, did it help your mindset or strategy?
If no, how do you avoid burnout?

chicbulls2 · Nov 25, 2025

couple of times

flattershay · Jan 1, 2026

Yes. But not becasue I was tired or anything. I just had less time to play.

pirateglenn · Jan 1, 2026

Yes - on a few separate occasions and it continues to be the best medicine for my life as i devoted time back to doing other things - i found myself years ago constantly online, hardly socialising as i used to, scanning the internet, replying to online messages within 0.001 secs because i had no life. I made a conscious decision to study, to walk everyday, to see friends every week. It was a game changer for me, it has led to better health and a fuller life.

Prophet · Jan 1, 2026

I took a complete break from poker from 2015 till 2022 , but it's like driving a car , you never forget how to do it.
And I can say that nobody is a bad poker player , anyone know how to play good, but the problem is knowing your limit and having a solid bankroll management. And with this you avoid burnouts.

Cooking · Jan 1, 2026

Yes, when I was in college I realized that poker was taking too much of my time and quit the game for about 5 years and then I really didn't miss the game and didn't returned for more a couple of years. I only came back in 2020 because of COVID pandemic.

rsparente · Jan 1, 2026

Yes, some months off to improve mental game.

R.Holynskyi · Jan 1, 2026

Several times a year, during particularly unfavourable and difficult periods, I take longer breaks, ranging from two days to two weeks. Sometimes there are days or even weeks when it is better to just take a break and avoid unnecessary expenses than to continue playing.

fernandofcp · Jan 1, 2026

If you play poker frequently and intensely, it's always good to take a break from time to time. This is essential for maintaining profitability and long-term mental health. Because the game requires constant concentration, natural fatigue can lead to mistakes that compromise your profits and consequently generate losses.

jaymfc · Jan 1, 2026

back in the day, when everything was live, it was easier. Home games were once a week or sometimes two.
The last 20 years of the internet its any free time period, I have taken breaks, but never voluntarily

The BS that goes on at poker sites can get to you if you don't learn to let it roll off your back.

Alpha737 · Jan 3, 2026

Yes, I’ve taken long breaks, and they helped more than I expected. Stepping away reset my mindset, reduced tilt, and gave me clarity on leaks I couldn’t see while grinding nonstop. When I came back, I played with more patience and better discipline.
When I’m not taking breaks, I avoid burnout by setting session limits, prioritizing rest, and only playing when I’m mentally sharp. Poker’s a long game—protecting your mindset is part of the strategy.

bazza155 · Jan 3, 2026

Yes took a break of about 10 years.

hardongear · Jan 3, 2026

Sure depending on how one defines a long break I'm just coming off one as I rarely played any hands and MTT's in 2025. Lowest number of hands and MTT's played in 20+ years. Less then 10k cash hands total and right around 20 MTT's played all of 2025.

On the bright side so far I've played 2 out 2 days of 2026 so looks like we're back on the poker wagon for awhile. Hoping to keep my desire to play again.

Cheers!!!

Rachidao · Jan 3, 2026

Yes, multiple times.

bodil19982 · Jan 3, 2026

I took a break from poker a couple of times, for a year or half a year.

csabika94 · Jan 10, 2026

I always need a little rest... I missed 2 years.

Happy Bobi · Jan 10, 2026

I've been playing for over 10 years, and I've always had a lack of free time to play. So personally, I don't really need any breaks, and I think it's because I actually only play two or three days a week, on Fridays and weekends.

alucaa · Jan 10, 2026

Right now I'm on a kind of break, I returned to my country and I don't think I can play on my favorite platforms, so I haven't played Pokerm for more or less a month I don't know if that will help me in the future when I play again

Julpukka · Jan 11, 2026

I had like 5 years break and also many 1 year breaks. It depends. Sometimes I like to play and sometimes not..

Lena M · Jan 12, 2026

I don't play that much, and burnout is definitely not something I need to worry about

In fact, I only take breaks when I'm very tired or feeling unwell. I love poker, and the positive emotions I get from playing have a positive impact on my personal life.

GarotoMaroto · Jan 12, 2026

Never.
I play often but not regularly
God bless

Kenzie 96 · Jan 12, 2026

In the midst of one now, I have taken several over the years, mostly because of work or family obligations, this is the first one inspired by lack of interest. I am starting to get the itch again, I think. Should be getting some of that winter weather settling in around here soon so maybe then.

gravii2011 · Jan 12, 2026

There was a time when I didn't play poker for 5 years because I lost interest.

pirateglenn · Jan 12, 2026

I have and its a super healthy thing to do - i was playing too much and wasnt enjoying what life had to offer elsewhere.
Its made me enjoy the game more since ive returned.

William Dyman · Jan 12, 2026

I love playing poker but it can get me frustrated and spoil my mood when donkeys that only know all in and spoil the game

Have You Ever Taken a Long Break From Poker?

Houbi37

Rock Star

chicbulls2

Rock Star

flattershay

Visionary

pirateglenn

Legend

Prophet

Rock Star

Cooking

Legend

rsparente

Rock Star

R.Holynskyi

Legend

fernandofcp

Legend

jaymfc

R.I.P DJ & Buck

Alpha737

Enthusiast

bazza155

Rock Star

hardongear

Legend

Rachidao

Visionary

bodil19982

Rock Star

csabika94

Rock Star

Happy Bobi

Rock Star

alucaa

Rock Star

Julpukka

Enthusiast

Lena M

Legend

GarotoMaroto

Visionary

Kenzie 96

Legend

gravii2011

Legend

pirateglenn

Legend

William Dyman

Rising Star

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