Playing your Best - Beginning Poker Questions

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Playing your Best

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08-09-2009 , 03:16 AM

MajinBoob

old hand

Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,214

Hey all, im by no means a beginner and take poker quite seriously, hoping to be pro one day, but i feel i have been playing sub-optimally as of late.

Has anyone got any tips as to keep on your A-game at all times?

Im talking every little niggly thing you can think of that helps you keep focused on making the best decision possible every time.

Looking forward to your thoughts 2+2.

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08-09-2009 , 03:29 AM

tensor0910

grinder

Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 443

Believe it or not, talking out loud to myself helps a lot.

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08-09-2009 , 04:37 AM

Vanity

adept

Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 893

Take frequent breaks.

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08-09-2009 , 05:13 AM

SaM StarK

veteran

Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,384

Quote:

Originally Posted by tensor0910

Believe it or not, talking out loud to myself helps a lot.

This x1000

I put some music that I like, maybe rap or metal and just start talking out loud about every move or play I'm making and how these noobs are gonna get pawned.

It helps so much, specially when I'm deep in MTTs

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08-09-2009 , 05:16 AM

MajinBoob

old hand

Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,214

Good comments...anything on a higher level like what people do to prepare before each session etc would be appreciated. THEEEEEEANX

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08-09-2009 , 05:57 AM

SaM StarK

veteran

Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,384

Well, if you really want some serious advice then here we go.

-Never play when you are tired, always well rested.
-Never play when you are stressed, tilted.
-Focus on your game and dont get distracted with TV or chat
-Dont drink
-Keep checking the stats of the table, make sure you have catalogued at least 5 of the players in it (donk,fish,nit,reg) etc.
-Multitable so you dont become impatient after not getting dealt a good hand for an hour.
-Use pokertracker and check the stats on every hand you play

That's all I could think of.

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08-09-2009 , 06:13 AM

SamPooley

old hand

Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,207

Personally i play my best when i am well into a long session.

Although when playing online i always listen to my iPod, as i couldn't play for over an hour sitting by myself in the quiet.

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08-09-2009 , 06:57 AM

adios11

grinder

Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 527

I keep a checklist with different motivational frases and playing rules near the monitor. To keep the mindset. Also- concentrate on breathing calmly- tspecially after bad beats/)

Last edited by adios11; 08-09-2009 at 07:11 AM.

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08-09-2009 , 08:07 AM

MajinBoob

old hand

Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,214

Checklist sounds like a good idea, ill note that thanks!

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08-09-2009 , 08:19 AM

#10

RoosterCAD

banned

Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,194

Play less tables , I used to play 15+ they I cut it down to 9 now I make better decisions.

Take reg. breaks and check PT stats

I like to have poker chips and even poker cards beside me so I can shuffle it helps me to relax.

I even bought a poker table to place my two screens on so it felt like I was sitting at a poker table (yes yes I am live nit) also play live home games on it, its pretty cool.

Invest in two screens.

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08-09-2009 , 08:32 AM

#11

Raygun Gothic

old hand

Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,722

Two screens is a good plan.
I force myself to take a little while over every decision, even if it seems the most standard of standard decisions, and having someone with you/on skype/xbl chat/whatever that you can mutter your logic to helps you crystalize why you're doing what the heck you're doing, even if they might not be paying a ton of attention.

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08-09-2009 , 10:13 AM

#12

MILEHIMECHANIC

journeyman

Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 331

Quote:

-Never play when you are tired, always well rested.
-Never play when you are stressed, tilted.
-Focus on your game and dont get distracted with TV or chat
-Dont drink
-Keep checking the stats of the table, make sure you have catalogued at least 5 of the players in it (donk,fish,nit,reg) etc.
-Multitable so you dont become impatient after not getting dealt a good hand for an hour.
-Use pokertracker and check the stats on every hand you play

+1
sometimes a couple o beers can help take some of those stresses away,
couple = 1 or 2 beers ( lol 12 ounce size) !
Its taken me many a 12 pack and a BR to come to this conclusion lol

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08-09-2009 , 12:45 PM

#13

Fura

grinder

Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 432

Only play my A game, once it fades away: this

Untiltin, relaxin, funny, perfect.

30 minutes after I´m ready to rock again.

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08-09-2009 , 03:04 PM

#14

WSOPorBUST

grinder

Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 562

dont play short sessions. you will inevitably be shortsighted and not making +EV moves. if i cant sit down and play for a min 4 hours then i don't play, i study instead.

have everything you would possibly need (food, drink, stress reliever, etc) within arms reach.

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08-09-2009 , 03:19 PM

#15

Fura

grinder

Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 432

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSOPorBUST

We got a winnar.
Fundamental.

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08-09-2009 , 03:28 PM

#16

SovietRussia

veteran

Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 2,213

Quote:

Originally Posted by MajinBoob

Put a helmet on your mouse... Or a blow up floatie. Whatever you have to soften impact.

It's crucial your mouse is operational.

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08-12-2009 , 09:22 AM

#17

nomnomtuna

enthusiast

Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 59

posting in epic thread

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