Have You Ever Taken a Long Break From Poker?

Houbi37

Houbi37

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

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

pirateglenn

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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

Prophet

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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.
 
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Cooking

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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.
 
R.Holynskyi

R.Holynskyi

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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

fernandofcp

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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

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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 :giggle:
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

Alpha737

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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.
 
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bazza155

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Yes took a break of about 10 years.
 
hardongear

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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!!!
 
bodil19982

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

Happy Bobi

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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

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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

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