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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
