Joined: Nov '09
Location: Canada
Age: 55 (M)
Posts: 2387
Hi all. I have been on vacation all week so I get to play a bit in the morning before everybody is up and we get the day going, and a bit at night before turning in. As usual, being relaxed and having the built-up stresses of the past few months leave my head has let my poker game flourish. This is something I have seen time and time again, and Barry Greenstein writes about this in his book "Ace on the River", where he talks about the edge he had when years ago he was a small time pro, playing against guys who had been working all day.
What do you do to prepare for a session that helps you forget whatever happened yesterday or during the day and successfully play poker?
Posted by tormulainen: I usually prepare myself to a poker session by doing yoga. It is really relaxing and my results have been amazing by doing that.
Interesting, but - no offence of course - also quite funny when I read it first time
I don't prepare myself at all, not metally. I just don't play when I'm angry (it doesn't matter if it's because of my computer, friend or weather) or tired, but most of the time my mindset is good. During one of my last sessions I was almost on tilt and I've turned on some music that I enjoy a lot (not always my favourite, but something that just screams to you "sing with me" xD) and it cleared my mind a bit & I managed to reduce my losses. And that's all. When I lose a hand vs. donk I just laugh and I don't look back at this hand (well, sometimes I have to do a note, but that's all). I don't know if you can train this, you just have to do that and it'll be your habit after couple of days/weeks.
Joined: Aug '10
Location: Argentina
Age: 37 (M)
Posts: 189
Posted by LooseKiddie: I just don't play when I'm angry (it doesn't matter if it's because of my computer, friend or weather) or tired, but most of the time my mindset is good.
I try to do the same... But lately I find it hard... cos I have my wife and my kid! lol It's hard to find time now... but I'm happy when I get some time to play...
Joined: Mar '11
Location: Germany
Age: 55 (M)
Posts: 1242
Well for me, I don´t do something special. I only have the time to play in the evening, because of job and family. But when I sit on my couch and turn my laptop on to play a poker session, it is very relaxing to me so I forget about the stressing day in job.
Joined: Feb '11
Location: Germany
Age: 31 (M)
Posts: 1859
Posted by LooseKiddie: I don't prepare myself at all, not metally. I just don't play when I'm angry (it doesn't matter if it's because of my computer, friend or weather) or tired
What do you do to prepare for a session that helps you forget whatever happened yesterday or during the day and successfully play poker?
first i dont play poker as soon as i am up and awake , i wait for around 6 to 8 hours , watch some poker shows gets me in the mood to play, and do my daily activitys.............. as for forgetting what happened yesterday at the tables, this is a no no, we learn and we move on , if you had a bad day yesterday, go through your hand history or post them here to analyze and inprove your game, you shouldnt go on a table with the intent of winning your money back from yesterday, cause if you do this you will lose making and playing wrong moves,
Joined: May '09
Location: India
Age: 37 (M)
Posts: 4873
unfortunately time is a limiting factor for me and usually i have only a couple of hours to play poker so not much preparing for it. though i do put on some music to relax my mind
Joined: Oct '09
Location: Portugal
Age: 52 (M)
Posts: 233
Besides the "pissed" business, what I really need is peace and quiet, so I only start playing when my kids are sleeping, read all my mails and unfinished business, go to BRM and then start to play.
Joined: Mar '09
Location: Greece
Age: 47 (F)
Posts: 14136
Nothing much actually.Its not like giving exams for the University. Just be in the mood to play some poker. And of course that said from dozn. If im angry i dont play. If i get anrgy during play thats another story
or pissed 
