Before sitting down for poker, make sure to take care of any business that needs to be taken cared off so there will be no disruptions during the game. Clear the mind of worries then reg online or live, ready to play.
For live tournaments, I sit on the table 10-15 minutes before tourney start & quietly meditate to refocus my mind on tourney strat as I believe my default game is cash game. Recalibrate those fold, call, & raise ranges. Ready to play.
For live tournaments, I sit on the table 10-15 minutes before tourney start & quietly meditate to refocus my mind on tourney strat as I believe my default game is cash game. Recalibrate those fold, call, & raise ranges. Ready to play.
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If I never played poker when I was tired, depressed, angry, sad, or in physical or mental pain I would have played VERY few hands in my "career" (online 2003-2013).
Sure if you only play for fun, there is no point in playing poker in a bad mental or physical state. But if it's your part-time job you can't have the luxury of only playing when you feel great.
So what did I do to play my A-game:
1. Since I only played cash when I wanted to maximize my earnings per hour I table- and seat-selected. As I stated many times the money comes from mistakes other players do not how perfect you play.
So even if I didn't feel at the top of my game if others played like I did when I played my C-game in relative terms it was like if I played at least my B-game that was good enough.
2. A lot of caffeine.
Maybe not the healthiest approach but it made me being able to go straight from bed after maybe 2-3 hours of sleep to play for up to 24 hours straight if the games were good.
3. No food before or during a session.
I was always at my sharpest mentally when in a fasted state.
4. Being in the now.
Train yourself to not care about how much money you have lost or won previously and don't set any monetary goal before your session. Just think that you should make the best possible decisions in every situation. But if you make a mistake just get over it. Meditation can help you achieve this state, but it should come naturally after many hours of practice.
This was when I played to earn money. Now I don't do anything special before I play.
Sure if you only play for fun, there is no point in playing poker in a bad mental or physical state. But if it's your part-time job you can't have the luxury of only playing when you feel great.
So what did I do to play my A-game:
1. Since I only played cash when I wanted to maximize my earnings per hour I table- and seat-selected. As I stated many times the money comes from mistakes other players do not how perfect you play.
So even if I didn't feel at the top of my game if others played like I did when I played my C-game in relative terms it was like if I played at least my B-game that was good enough.
2. A lot of caffeine.
Maybe not the healthiest approach but it made me being able to go straight from bed after maybe 2-3 hours of sleep to play for up to 24 hours straight if the games were good.
3. No food before or during a session.
I was always at my sharpest mentally when in a fasted state.
4. Being in the now.
Train yourself to not care about how much money you have lost or won previously and don't set any monetary goal before your session. Just think that you should make the best possible decisions in every situation. But if you make a mistake just get over it. Meditation can help you achieve this state, but it should come naturally after many hours of practice.
This was when I played to earn money. Now I don't do anything special before I play.
I only play tournaments. Before a larger live tournament, I make sure I am feeling in generally good health, have been sleeping well, and have been getting regular exercise. I also pack a bag with some healthy snacks like nuts and fruit. I have also found that doing meditation before the tournament and on breaks, it helps me feel calmer and more focused. Something new, I will try for next time, is to run through some drills and charts for certain spots like blinds and button. If I do not feel in the right mindset, I don't play.
Online, I only play in the evening, so after lunch, a nice nap is a must, then a walk, after which I make sure there's nothing left to do for the day, I listen to some of my favorite music, then I shut everything off, no distractions.
If one of the above is missing, there would be no A game.
I don't play much live poker lately, but when I eventually do, I replace the "music" with about 10 minutes meditation. I always go early and choose a quiet area by the casino or inside if there's a little park or garden.
If one of the above is missing, there would be no A game.
I don't play much live poker lately, but when I eventually do, I replace the "music" with about 10 minutes meditation. I always go early and choose a quiet area by the casino or inside if there's a little park or garden.
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When it comes to bringing my A-game to the table, I've found that a combination of factors really makes a difference for me. Here are a few things that have helped elevate my performance:
These may seem like simple tips, but when combined, they create a solid foundation for playing at my absolute best. I'd love to hear what strategies work best for everyone else—let's share our tips and elevate each other's game!
Looking forward to the discussion!
1. Setting Aside Dedicated Time
Making sure to set aside dedicated, uninterrupted time to play has been crucial. This means carving out a block of time where I know I won't be interrupted by other obligations or distractions. Whether it's an hour or a few, having that focused time really allows me to get into the zone and concentrate fully on the game.2. Prioritizing Rest
Rest is often underestimated but it's absolutely essential for peak performance. Getting a good night's sleep ensures that my mind is sharp and my reflexes are on point. I've noticed a significant difference in my gameplay when I'm well-rested versus when I'm running on fumes.3. Fueling My Body
Eating well before a gaming session might seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact. I've found that having a balanced meal, rich in nutrients, helps sustain my energy levels throughout the game. Snacking on fruits, nuts, or other healthy options during longer sessions also keeps me from feeling sluggish.4. Staying Hydrated
Hydration is key for staying focused and alert. I always make sure to have a bottle of water nearby, especially during intense matches. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes in my clarity of thought and overall performance.5. Cultivating a Positive Emotional State
Last but definitely not least, my emotional state plays a huge role. When I approach the game with a positive mindset—free from stress, frustration, or distractions—I find that I make better decisions and perform more consistently. Taking a moment to breathe, relax, and clear my mind before diving in has become a ritual that sets the stage for success.These may seem like simple tips, but when combined, they create a solid foundation for playing at my absolute best. I'd love to hear what strategies work best for everyone else—let's share our tips and elevate each other's game!
Looking forward to the discussion!
I used to have a habit of making sure everything was all set so I could play, make sure I'm not sleepy, put my fave playlists on..... but it doesn't matter at this point, someone always needs this or that, or is hungry even though they just ate, or the dogs or cats want out... or in lol, now if I ever get time to play I just grab a pepsi and wing it👍
Before I start playing:music in headphones,read my notes basic A-game strategy,check bankroll status,make sure poker table has settings I am comfortable with,and write on laptop note 50 minutes from I start playing that is breaktime at least 10 minutes in total silence to rest brain from playing poker before I play maximum 50 minutes again.
Cash game I have no preparation, it's zoom , I play and i stop whenever I want
But for tourneys I want to start playing early , fresh , relaxed , having slept enough , with patience equipped , having eaten well , maybe have some snacks for later . Generally for sngs or tourneys that last 2 hours or many hours I demand a good preparation or else i will not play at all .
But for tourneys I want to start playing early , fresh , relaxed , having slept enough , with patience equipped , having eaten well , maybe have some snacks for later . Generally for sngs or tourneys that last 2 hours or many hours I demand a good preparation or else i will not play at all .
I believe that the most important thing I need to play poker well is proper rest. I need to get a good night's sleep and rest before the game. It is advisable to hold the tournament on my day off, because when I play after work, I am more motivated to sleep than to play poker for several hours. Also, for me, it’s better not to watch a movie or TV series in parallel with the game, it distracts me greatly from the game. Listening to music is allowed; it doesn't stop me from playing. I'm only talking about online tournaments, I hardly play cash games and I don't play live at all.
To prepare for a poker session, a concentrated mental approach is essential, making sure to study strategies and maintain a positive frame of mind. Physically, rest, nutrition and hydration are key. Organize your materials and plan your time appropriately. In cash games, manage your bankroll, while in tournaments, adjust your strategy based on the payout structure. Adapting to the dynamics of online and live gaming is crucial, as is choosing music and snacks that complement your approach. With self-awareness, set clear goals for each session, adapting to different situations at the table to play your best game.
Having not already a poker game on that day. So being fresh and clear in the mind to concentrate, and not forget going to toilet before 🙂
