How do you (or do you) prepare to play poker?

Imposter

What (if anything) do people do to get themselves into a suitable mental state* to play poker?
Do you need time to wind down after a stressful day before playing, or do you jump straight into it? Do you play straight out of bed? Or really tired etc...

Just throwing this out there, as i'm noticing that most of my losing sessions are when i sit down to play in the wrong frame of mind.

*If such a thing is possible

ionapaul

Hmm, was thinking about this myself last night. Played the double chance in the Fitz and just wasn't in the right frame of mind for poker. I didn't even feel the usual twinge of disappointment when I was eventually knocked out! Last time I go in without feeling 100% 'up for it'.

I sometimes pick up 'Zen and the Art of Playing Poker' and flick through a chapter or two before heading in or playing online. Seems to help. I would never play just after getting up, or start while hungry or very tired.

Hyzepher

I think preparation is essential.

Recently I have been noticing that in order to have the upper hand while playing, I must believe that I am better than the other players at the table and expect to win. Of course there might be better players at the table but if I start thinking of how good they are I will start to doubt my game and if that happens I am guarenteed to lose.

Again recently I have started to use the tournaments in the Fitz as a mere warm up for the cash games. I have lost interest in the tournaments as I feel they are bad value for money for the hours you need to spend to get into the money. Especially compare to cash games that can continually produce a profit. So I use the tournaments to get a feel for my game and to try and boost my confidence before I sit at the cash games. My objective is not to win the tournie but to make the right calls - if I get outdrawn and get knocked out then I am not really that upset as making the right calls in a cash game nearlly always generatesa profit.

Hyzepher

mewso

I never go into the Fitz tired which unfortunately is all I ever am these days. Mind you I beat ye all (ok got lucky) on Sunday with the flu so maybe that'll be a new superstition for me, only play poker with a cough and blocked dose.

BigDragon

As Hyz mentioned the right frame of mind is crucial.

The biggest single factor in my recent play imho has been the xx hours I spent down at CityWest at the Irish Open.....not playing but watching.

The standard of so called "players" was atrocious. How, where etc etc.

It had a dramatic change in my game.

][cEMAN**

I just stick on some mood setting tunes, play a few cheap STTs or just get straight down to it.

Strangely I find I play much better when i'm tired. I guess i'm not second guessing myself as much, and find then that I don't get that hesitation that lets others know I might not have the cards.

Imposter

Hyzepher wrote:

I think preparation is essential.

Recently I have been noticing that in order to have the upper hand while playing, I must believe that I am better than the other players at the table and expect to win. Of course there might be better players at the table but if I start thinking of how good they are I will start to doubt my game and if that happens I am guarenteed to lose.

As for dealing with players who are better than me i'm finding the boards games great for learning to deal with these players. Yes they are better than me, but at least now I can deal with them and give myself a decent chance against them. By seeing them play every week i'm learning what to do and more importantly what not to do against such players. Then I can apply that, quite successfully, to players who look to have a similar style that I don't play with regularly.

As for preparing to play, I don't but i do find I need to be in a positive frame of mind to play and not tired or just drifting through a game. Haven't figured out how to switch my moods, which is why I was looking for ideas

DapperGent

Online: Reading poker blogs.

Offline: Pint and chat.

Marq

On-line: Light Smoke, Play Tunes.

Off-lline: Light Smoke, Drink Pint. Drink Another Pint.

Spiritus

Online: Waiting for nuts then clicking 'Raise'

Offline: Waiting for nuts then saying 'Raise'

NickyOD

I think you definitely have to be physically in good shape if you need to play for a long period in order to finish ITM. By that I mean no alcohol and plenty of sleep beforehand. I have seen final tables where players were obviously fatigued and made mistakes they wouldn't normally make, usually overplaying a hand or not respecting a big raise. Mentally if things are going on in my life that are pissing me off they have a habit of tilting me. I think the longer you play poker the more you recognise the times when you should stay well clear of a poker table, and if you put in serious hours online it is essential to have breaks and fresh air, like a trip to the gym or the pool or something. Having said all that I've been ill all week and seriously thought about cancelling the trip to Cork for the IPT but will still go in the hope of making a dramatic recovery. I just hope there aren't any drug test 'cos I'm gona need something to keep me going.

Online I find reggae music is the best to have in the background for keeping a cool head, and keeping a light snack close by is always good. "WHAT, YOU CRACKED MY KK WITH J-7 OFF!".....no woman no cry....."Ahh there's my Doritos...."

Marq

NickyOD wrote:

By that I mean no alcohol and plenty of sleep beforehand.

Invert the nouns in that sentence and you have my usual preparation ritual. But hey, whatever you fancy yourself.