Rituals & Superstitions

DanS87 · Dec 29, 2021

It's in human nature to make connections to events, even if they can't really have any bearing on each other. Whether it's a tennis player bouncing the ball a certain number of times before a serve, or someone wearing a lucky pair of underwear, we all have habits and rituals that we end up doing.

What sort of superstitions and rituals have you developed whilst playing poker? I've gotten into a habit of making myself a cup of coffee in every 5-min break in a tournament. The last 3 time's I've skipped doing it, I've always gone out in the next few hands after coming back, usually in spectacular fashion.

I know logically theres no relation, but now I feel uncomfortable not dashing to the kitchen to make a coffee when the break starts.

MishkaZL · Dec 30, 2021

Drinking coffee too often can be detrimental to your health.
Personally, I do not have any special rituals, and I do not believe in omens, but usually after the game session, I go to the shower and then go to bed.

alien666dj · Dec 30, 2021

My ritual is to meditate during the break.

DanS87 · Dec 30, 2021

MishkaZL said:
Drinking coffee too often can be detrimental to your health.

Well at the moment, I'm only having one or two during a tournament. May be better for me to switch it up and have tea instead of coffee

bnasp2 · Dec 30, 2021

Its funny how every live poker community has its pair of cards you love to play preflop (with no apparent reason).
In few poker groups of friends it was Q9, 86, 95 etc. Like people believed this is the one lucky combination which brings the big pots.

psy0nyd3 · Dec 30, 2021

I might be a little superstitious about playing the next hand after I win. I like to keep the momentum going, unless Im in the SB or BB. Probably a bad habit.

And I love my snowmen!

YYfourU · Dec 30, 2021

I believe in black cats theory, find every time I play and do well, it all crashes down when my cat shows up.

MishkaZL · Dec 31, 2021

DanS87 said:
Well at the moment, I'm only having one or two during a tournament. May be better for me to switch it up and have tea instead of coffee

I drink coffee only in the morning. I only play poker in the evenings and at night, so I usually prefer tea while playing.

vittopio · Dec 31, 2021

Hi! Fortunately or unfortunately, I don't observe any rituals during the game! I just try to play well rested and attentive!

nutself · Dec 31, 2021

Some rituals are good things, for example, if you have a ritual that is to walk 10 steps when you get a bad beat, I think this "ritual" works for you very well

black and · Dec 31, 2021

So far, my only ritual is a cup of coffee before the game. That's enough for me. I used to smoke, but recently I quit and hope I got rid of this habit forever.