Superstitions and Rituals at the Gaming Table

Brigistul

Brigistul

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Every player has their own habits when sitting down at the table. Some always choose the same seat, others carry a lucky charm, or have a small ritual before starting. These superstitions and gestures add color to the game and, even if they don’t change the odds, they can influence mood and confidence.
 
MishkaZL

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I don't believe in such things. My ‘talismans’ are my discipline and patience. Everything else, in my opinion, is not very important. But in general, if a player follows rituals or has some superstitions that could potentially affect his mood, then this can be quite an important factor to pay attention to.
 
Brigistul

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I don't believe in such things. My ‘talismans’ are my discipline and patience. Everything else, in my opinion, is not very important. But in general, if a player follows rituals or has some superstitions that could potentially affect his mood, then this can be quite an important factor to pay attention to.
I understand your point of view, but I believe discipline and patience are the most important ‘talismans.Superstitions or rituals may influence one’s mood, but I don’t think they change the reality of the game.It’s not good for these to become an important factor! I believe they shouldn’t even be taken into account, since they can just be tricks meant to influence the players at the table.
 
riff_raff312

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My talisman is a ST'Michael pendent which is dipped in holy water and blessed by father Steve once a month right after my confession not sure if that's a superstition or a ritual is't just what i do.
 
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I'm not superstitious, so I don't do anything like that. I don't believe in supernatural forces.
 
Brigistul

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I'm not superstitious, so I don't do anything like that. I don't believe in supernatural forces.
It’s not about what you’re saying! These are just tricks meant to confuse the players. The focus should be on the game and on one’s own decisions, not on those who use ‘talismans.’ In the end, discipline and concentration make the difference, not superstitions.
 
Luka22guro

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I used to have this superstition that if I win several handouts in a row or go all-in, then even if it is the right action, I may not do it. I once had such a superstition.
 
R.Melnyk77

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I don't play drunk or hungover. It's hard to call it a superstition or a ritual, but it's the one rule I always follow :)
 
WladiYoga

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I agree, if a player is in his comfort zone, he can make better decisions and relieve of unnecessary pressure.
 
R.Holynskyi

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Before the game I make sandwiches in advance. If I'm hungry I quickly lose patience and make mistakes. So my ritual that I do every evening is making sandwiches :)
 
Lena M

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I don't have any superstitions. I don't believe in such nonsense. The only thing that matters is to have a positive attitude and play with discipline.
 
black and

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Superstitions are “strange beliefs” for people who are unsure of themselves. Thanks to such silly beliefs, people with complexes shift responsibility for their results onto something else, other people, or events.
 
VictorOd

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No superstitions. Well, in company, I tend to prefer closed-off postures, such as having my hands clasped or touching, however it's not something good. Or it's comfortable to hold something in a hand.
 
Debi

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I am not superstitious so have no routines based on things like that.
 
Brigistul

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I agree, if a player is in his comfort zone, he can make better decisions and relieve of unnecessary pressure.
You’re right, mental comfort has a huge impact on decision‑making. What I find interesting is that sometimes superstitions aren’t really about luck, but about routine and control. If a small ritual helps you enter a “flow” state, it can actually become a real psychological edge.
 
Brigistul

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I am not superstitious so have no routines based on things like that.
Fair enough! I also think superstitions aren’t necessary. Some players use them to relax, others play better with zero “rituals”. It’s nice how everyone finds their own style.(y)
 
infonazar

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Every player has their own habits when sitting down at the table. Some always choose the same seat, others carry a lucky charm, or have a small ritual before starting. These superstitions and gestures add color to the game and, even if they don’t change the odds, they can influence mood and confidence.
I have a few habits that could be called preparation for the game. First of all, I try to resolve any current issues so that I don't get distracted during the game. In addition, it is necessary to eat before the game and, preferably, take a nap for an hour. And then, make yourself a cup of coffee and think through a step-by-step plan of action.
 
Brigistul

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I have a few habits that could be called preparation for the game. First of all, I try to resolve any current issues so that I don't get distracted during the game. In addition, it is necessary to eat before the game and, preferably, take a nap for an hour. And then, make yourself a cup of coffee and think through a step-by-step plan of action.
I really like your approach — it’s a very logical, performance‑oriented routine. Taking care of your tasks beforehand, eating, getting a short nap, and building a step‑by‑step plan shows discipline and self‑control. I think routines like these aren’t superstitions at all, but a form of mental preparation that can genuinely improve decision‑making at the table.
 
billibooo

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I don’t play live regularly—only once—but I did the same things every time. It became a ritual for me. Not in a superstitious way, but as a way to avoid giving off tells. I would count to seven and think about my grocery list because I already knew what I was going to do, then make my move after the count.

I think that consistency is part of why my habit worked. Habits are comforting, and being comfortable puts you in a good headspace to play. Whether you call it superstition, routine, or just something that works for you, I really believe it makes a difference.
 
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