What helps you prepare to play your A-game?

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How do you prepare for a poker session ? This could be physical or mental preparation, or organizing snacks or music. Does it differ for you when it's a cash game vs and tournament? Or an online game vs. live?

What helps you prepare to play your A-game?
 
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I play poker only when I know that I have the time for a deep run. I never start a session when I know that I have something to do the next 4 hours for example ( I play mostly MTT).
It may sound weird but I never play a single table because this thing drops my performance by making me impatient. This may not work for other players though. Exercise and a good night sleep the previous day it's out of the question a mandatory priority for your performance.
 
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akmost said:
I play poker only when I know that I have the time for a deep run. I never start a session when I know that I have something to do the next 4 hours for example ( I play mostly MTT).
It may sound weird but I never play a single table because this thing drops my performance by making me impatient. This may not work for other players though. Exercise and a good night sleep the previous day it's out of the question a mandatory priority for your performance.
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playing more than one table is key. don't over think things and stick with the plan!
 
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First of all, I'll get some sleep before playing poker, then have a delicious drink of water and finish my business calmly after I have no work left. I find time to play poker and play without anything to distract me, I try to do everything before the poker game, then they just play and enjoy the game
 
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I like to listen to music, especially classic rock
 
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I only play online and I only play in tournaments. I don't play cash games. In general, I have no prior preparation for the game. For me, the main thing is just to have free time and a good mood, these are the two main components that I need to have a good time 🙂
 
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It does not matter if it is live or online as I tend to do the same things. I attempt to get a good nights sleep in the night before.

Before i play I like to make sure I am fully fed so I wont get to hungry. If it will be a long session online or live I tend to have some snacks with m to eat and have water. Nothing hurts my mindset more than getting hungry and cant stop to get food.

Before I sit down to play I do like to meditate before I play. If i can get myself 15 to 30 minutes of this in I am usually in a great state of mind and very mellow and relaxed. If I start in a good place I will almost never go on tilt.

Once I start playing and again this is both live and online, i turn on my mediation music. This will usually keep me in a very relaxed state of mind and body. The one surprise to me was it also helped in my concentration in the game. I find when listing to this music over no music or something else my mind tends to wander more.

I do tend to follow this on both cash and tournaments but I do tend to just play tournaments most of the time.
 
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nabmom said:
How do you prepare for a poker session ? This could be physical or mental preparation, or organizing snacks or music. Does it differ for you when it's a cash game vs and tournament? Or an online game vs. live?

What helps you prepare to play your A-game?
Click to expand...
i ONLY play freerolls on wsop.com online and try to watch something on TV that's either comedy or music. have made approximately $365 in the last year.
 
I don't have some sort of preparation, but it helps to be in a quiet place and remain calm the moments before a big tourney
 
Maintain a good exercise and eating routine, always take a shower before grinding, and keep everything organized so that I can stay 100% focused on the grind.
 
Good mental state before every session
 
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nabmom said:
How do you prepare for a poker session ? This could be physical or mental preparation, or organizing snacks or music. Does it differ for you when it's a cash game vs and tournament? Or an online game vs. live?

What helps you prepare to play your A-game?
Click to expand...
Afternoon nap for live cash games is a must (for me)!
I'm not going to play anything live/ online if I'm not feel in the "mood" for poker...
Doesn't have "problem" with organizing snacks or playlists before game - but, my belly has to be full (fat woman lives inside me)! 😀
 
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Sleep well is essential, but I also noticed that on days I go to the gym after a good night of sleep, I also have better results on poker.
 
First and foremost is play on the computer!!! It feels more comfortable and I have a larger screen and my mouse to bet with... rather than using a smartphone and fingers... Also I totally agree with the others that if you want a good result/finish. Then make sure you have the time to do so.
 
I don't have any sacred rituals. Lately I've been playing cash game zoom, so what I do is open just one table at the beginning. I only open more tables after a certain time.
 
Sometimes, I make myself sandwiches ahead of time, just in case 🙂 But mostly all my preparation starts with a cup or two of coffee.
 
There is no helping my poker game ! If I get lucky , or at least dont get unlucky , I have a chance . Unfortunately there are too many strong players nowadays .
 
Strange that I say it, I am in total chaos between work, wife, family, my children, and the family where I come from. I don't have enough time for certain rituals or taboos. I don't realize how time flies , especially my free time in which my mind is on what I will do with the team tomorrow at work, on the projects I am responsible for, or what I am going to do for the family at home. So before a game maybe,I already have some alcohol, to rest easier at night, or maybe I would even like a good sleep and give up the game.
However, here I am breaking from my routine and occupations. So I'm not doing anything special because I'm going to play something specific.
 
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