Poison91
Rock Star
Platinum Level
I'm going to list the things that hurt your game in my opinion on a scale: bad sleep, then alcohol, and a bad streak (tilt).
bremp555
Rock Star
Platinum Level
I think playing when tired is one of the biggest leaks many players don’t realize they have. For me, even if I feel “a little fine,” I notice that my patience goes down and I start forcing plays that I wouldn’t normally make. In a game like poker, where every small decision matters, that can quickly turn into losing sessions.
Personally, I try to avoid playing when I know I’m not sharp, especially in tournaments where focus is needed for several hours. If I sit down tired, I’m much more likely to bust out earlier just from one bad mistake. Cash games might give more flexibility since you can leave anytime, but even then, I find the EV is usually negative when I’m not fully rested.
I think the key is being honest with yourself about your energy level before starting. If I’m not at least 80–90% focused, I prefer to use that time for study, watching poker videos, or reviewing hands. That way, I’m still working on my game without risking my bankroll on low-quality decisions. Do you usually notice your mistakes right away when tired, or only after reviewing hands later?
Personally, I try to avoid playing when I know I’m not sharp, especially in tournaments where focus is needed for several hours. If I sit down tired, I’m much more likely to bust out earlier just from one bad mistake. Cash games might give more flexibility since you can leave anytime, but even then, I find the EV is usually negative when I’m not fully rested.
I think the key is being honest with yourself about your energy level before starting. If I’m not at least 80–90% focused, I prefer to use that time for study, watching poker videos, or reviewing hands. That way, I’m still working on my game without risking my bankroll on low-quality decisions. Do you usually notice your mistakes right away when tired, or only after reviewing hands later?
fernandovr
Visionary
Platinum Level
When I’m tired, I avoid playing poker because I know my reasoning and patience are affected. Poker requires focus and mental clarity, so I prefer to rest and come back when my mind is fresh. I’ve noticed that playing while tired often leads to poor decisions and unnecessary losses.
Natox
Rock Star
Platinum Level
Hey Liviu,
playing poker while tired negatively impacts performance due to impaired judgment, slower reaction times, increased "tilt" (emotional instability), and decreased cognitive function, leading to poor decisions and financial losses. Recognizing signs of fatigue like excessive yawning and eye-blinking, and taking breaks or ending the session, is crucial for maintaining a sharp mental state and avoiding mistakes.
Good luck,
Natox
playing poker while tired negatively impacts performance due to impaired judgment, slower reaction times, increased "tilt" (emotional instability), and decreased cognitive function, leading to poor decisions and financial losses. Recognizing signs of fatigue like excessive yawning and eye-blinking, and taking breaks or ending the session, is crucial for maintaining a sharp mental state and avoiding mistakes.
Good luck,
Natox
8
888NOX888
Visionary
Platinum Level
Of course, you need to be rested to play poker, especially tournament poker. You need to understand and prepare yourself for the fact that a tournament can take eight hours or more, which is a full workday.
Mantinhoo
Rock Star
Platinum Level
When you’re tired, your brain processes information more slowly, which affects your poker game, decision-making, and overall quality of play. Fatigue can make you overlook key details, misread situations, and take unnecessary risks that you’d normally avoid.
G
GrannySmit77
Rock Star
Platinum Level
Every time I play when I am tired I find afterwards it was a mistake. I can't focus as well, I play bad. I end up playing any suited connectors, like 2 3 suited hoping to crack aces. I get tilted and annoyed more easily and end up either missing some spots or taking some spots I shouldn't.
I find that, in order to optimize your poker session you should make sure you've eaten well, that you're rested and that you're up for playing your poker session.
Whether it's a 3-4 hours cash game or 8-9 hours for a tournament all those small details give you an edge over other players.
Otherwise you lose money. Even though that's part of the learning experience also.
I find that, in order to optimize your poker session you should make sure you've eaten well, that you're rested and that you're up for playing your poker session.
Whether it's a 3-4 hours cash game or 8-9 hours for a tournament all those small details give you an edge over other players.
Otherwise you lose money. Even though that's part of the learning experience also.
E
EarnDAStack
Visionary
Platinum Level
If you play poker for enjoyment play whenever you want, I've never missed a hockey game because I was tired.
If you're playing for a living or trying to get to that stage never play when you're not at least on your B-Game and leave the table whenever it falls below that level.
Hope this helps
EDS
If you're playing for a living or trying to get to that stage never play when you're not at least on your B-Game and leave the table whenever it falls below that level.
Hope this helps
EDS
SPANKYSN
Legend
Platinum Level
Ideally I would not play when I’m sleepy…but I have on occasion played when dead tired, and yes, I usually lose.
C
Chunhong319
Enthusiast
Silver Level
I try to avoid playing when I’m tired too.
Fatigue definitely affects decision-making — I start calling in spots I’d normally fold or lose focus during key hands.
It’s hard to play your A-game without a clear mind, so I usually take a break or study instead.
