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August 17, 2011

Maintaining Your Zen at the Poker Table (or computer table)

By: Ben Harley


How often do you start a game prepared, eager, and focused on winning? Now think about how that concentration fades away with each successive hand, both in real games and online. Here are a few ways to maximize on your ability to play well throughout the game, regardless of the distractions, disappointments, and chaos encircling you and your poker hand both physically and mentally.




When it comes to online games, many players try to multitasking with various tabs pulled up.
While multiple games are common and necessary, adding unnecessary Internet searches into the mix
can only make the game more fatiguing. At most, play some music so you don’t get bored, but don’t
overdo it just because it’s online, keep your eye on the prize! Being at home you have a unique
opportunity to keep yourself calm during the game, leading to improved focus. The simplest method is
to close your eyes for a 10 second count and breathe deeply, planning your move right before your turn.
For a deeper focus, go straight into a meditative, cross-legged position while touching your pointer
fingers to your thumbs chanting “Om.” It’s not like any players will know what you’re doing!




For live games, you’re much more limited by the people around you and their pace. However,
that doesn’t mean their eagerness should affect you. Stay focused on your own hand and strategy first
and foremost, even if there’s an unusually hot girl sitting across from you. While it may elicit a few odd
reactions, closing your eyes and counting till 5 or 10 before your turn can work here too. During other
players’ turns, take the anxiety away by rolling your wrists and ankles since you’ve been sitting
constantly. Pressure points can also be a quick relaxation tool. Give a gentle press to the narrow area
above the nose-ridge, the beginning of your wrists, or each temple on the side of your head. Just don’t
overdo it with a Vulcan nerve pinch!

Finally, when it comes to both live and online games, you have to keep your body in tune with
your mind for maximum focus efficiency. This isn’t just accomplished by regular exercise, which has
been scientifically shown to increase brain blood flow and ability, but also by watching what you put
into the tank. Excessive beer or food can take your concentration off of the game. Similarly, being too
hungry or thirsty will do the same. Thus you must find your Middle Way to reach a “Poker Nirvana.”

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