How to Stay Focused for an Entire Poker Tournament

This sort of focus throughout the course of an entire poker tournament is, to be frank, difficult. Our own interpretation of how such trials encourage and fulfil us is not only limited to the adrenaline rush that poker tournaments inherently bring, but also include a challenge against our stamina, patience and ideal mental clarity. I have days where I start fresh and sharp, but the hourly beep (signs of Amazon Prime package deliveries) begins to wear down my edge. But don’t worry! So here are practical steps to maintain a fresh mind and an up-to-date alertness so that you can perform at your best until the final hand is dealt.

1. Go to Bed Early the Night Before

Yes, yes I hear you — of course sleep. Seriously, though: We tend not to think about how much our brains grind to a halt when we are sleep deprived. Playing poker tournaments when you have had a restless night is like running on an empty gas tank sooner or later. Even though you are excited, rest is important Excellent sleep is your secret weapon for tournament endurance.

If You Enjoy This Article, Please Help Spread the Word by Staying Awake for a Related Read: Rejuvenation vs. Rackem Need Some Zs Before Bingo Hall

2. Stay Hydrated and Energized

Water hahahaha aint that the truth . Dehydration messes with your focus real bad when you’re in that 4-5 hour area. Some water and fruits, nuts or protein bars. Believe you me — your brain will thank you for the snacks, after all: when not clarity and decisions are as wise or fast?

Here’s a related helpful read: Poker Fuel: What to Eat for Optimal Tournament Focus.

3. Take Advantage of Breaks

Short poker tournament breaks you know? So , for fun, they are not here. The most significant pause you can take is not doing anything and stepping away from the table—stretch, walk around outside or breathe fresh air. When you sit for long periods, your brain gets slow. Breaks give your brain a rest, think of it like rebooting a sluggish computer. If that can improve the next hour of play, it is worth going five minutes off your path.

Related Reading: Using Breaks Wisely — Recharge Your Poker Brain in Minutes

4. Limit Distractions—Seriously

However, I understand the tempatation to check your phone or text a friend, browse social media between hands. Distractions, however small the break in concentration seem to be—they nevertheless break up your focus. If you were reading a book, and between each paragraph someone hopped in to interrupt your sentence… it would be extremely distracting. That is your poker concentration under the constant distraction, Tuck your phone out of sight or on silent, and you’ll be surprised how much more present at the table you can really become.

Related Read: Digital Detox at the Poker Table – Increase Your Tournament Success

5. Stay Emotionally Balanced

Poker can get emotional. A nasty bad beat, an annoying player or even just a huge win can really spinase your game. The number of tournaments I watched get derailed by emotion is astronomical. Standing even-keeled emotionally—whether it is taking a deep breath, incorporating some kind of mindful practice like the stop method or reminding yourself that you are playing one hand at a time—is what makes winners vs frustration case studies. Tournaments are marathon not a sprint. And if you want to survive in the long run — Keep emotions steady.

Related Reading: Poker Mindfulness and How Top Players Stay Emotionally Steady

6. Practice Active Observation

Ever wonder how experienced players still manage to stay fresh after hours at the table? They actively observe. This is not to say that maintaining focus only refers to paying attention for your own hole cards. Observe opponent patterns, betting habits and the psychological tells manifested in their playing. They must maintain active observation as their strategies will grow and develop through the entire chapter.

Further Reading: “Become a Poker Detective With Observation Mastery”

7. Set Small, Manageable Goals

Focusing on nothing but winning can make tournaments stressful. I understand that the win is exciting, but those small attainable victories along your journey keep you in the game! Maybe just get to the next break, make it past that one round of blinds/antes you seem stuck in or winning a few pots might be some targets. WIN SMALL: Getting small victories is a good way and will help keep you all charged up mentally over the span of your event.

Related Read: Tournament Milestones To Stay Motivated Hour By Hour

8. Develop a Consistent Routine

Have you ever noticed how some professionals are focused so effortlessly? The reason is because they have routines. This is your pre-tournament routine that you do which triggers the brain to know it’s time for competition from what we eat, how we prepare mentally and so on. Consistency creates calm. Having a routine is 탑플레이어포커 머니상 like building a fortress around you; It makes you feel less anxious and distracts your brain better in order to have more focused work.