176 replies
How do you get ready for a poker session? This could be physical or mental preparation, arranging snacks or music, etc. Do you prepare differently for cash games compared with tournaments? Or for online play versus live games?
What helps you get into A-game shape?
I play poker only when I know that I have the time for a deep run. I never start a session when I know that I have something to do the next 4 hours for example ( I play mostly MTT).
It may sound weird but I never play a single table because this thing drops my performance by making me impatient. This may not work for other players though. Exercise and a good night sleep the previous day it's out of the question a mandatory priority for your performance.
I play poker only when I know that I have the time for a deep run. I never start a session when I know that I have something to do the next 4 hours for example ( I play mostly MTT).
It may sound weird but I never play a single table because this thing drops my performance by making me impatient. This may not work for other players though. Exercise and a good night sleep the previous day it's out of the question a mandatory priority for your performance.
playing more than one table is key. don't over think things and stick with the plan!
First of all, I'll get some sleep before playing poker, then have a delicious drink of water and finish my business calmly after I have no work left. I find time to play poker and play without anything to distract me, I try to do everything before the poker game (https://www.casino.us/poker/games/), then they just play and enjoy the game
I like to listen to music, especially classic rock
I like to be well rested before starting the session.
I only play online and I only play in tournaments. I don't play cash games. In general, I have no prior preparation for the game. For me, the main thing is just to have free time and a good mood, these are the two main components that I need to have a good time 🙂
It does not matter if it is live or online as I tend to do the same things. I attempt to get a good nights sleep in the night before.
Before i play I like to make sure I am fully fed so I wont get to hungry. If it will be a long session online or live I tend to have some snacks with m to eat and have water. Nothing hurts my mindset more than getting hungry and cant stop to get food.
Before I sit down to play I do like to meditate before I play. If i can get myself 15 to 30 minutes of this in I am usually in a great state of mind and very mellow and relaxed. If I start in a good place I will almost never go on tilt.
Once I start playing and again this is both live and online, i turn on my mediation music. This will usually keep me in a very relaxed state of mind and body. The one surprise to me was it also helped in my concentration in the game. I find when listing to this music over no music or something else my mind tends to wander more.
I do tend to follow this on both cash and tournaments but I do tend to just play tournaments most of the time.
sleep check
food check
hydration check
shower check
How do you prepare for a poker session ? This could be physical or mental preparation, or organizing snacks or music. Does it differ for you when it's a cash game vs and tournament? Or an online game vs. live?
What helps you prepare to play your A-game?
i ONLY play freerolls (https://www.casino.us/poker/best-freerolls/) on wsop (https://www.casino.us/poker/tournaments/wsop/).com online and try to watch something on TV that's either comedy or music. have made approximately $365 in the last year.
Block out all the extra stuff and watch your opponents play.
I don't have some sort of preparation, but it helps to be in a quiet place and remain calm the moments before a big tourney
Maintain a good exercise and eating routine, always take a shower before grinding, and keep everything organized so that I can stay 100% focused on the grind.
Good mental state before every session
restful sleep like when you were a child
How do you prepare for a poker session ? This could be physical or mental preparation, or organizing snacks or music. Does it differ for you when it's a cash game vs and tournament? Or an online game vs. live?
What helps you prepare to play your A-game?
Afternoon nap for live cash games is a must (for me)!
I'm not going to play anything live/ online if I'm not feel in the "mood" for poker...
Doesn't have "problem" with organizing snacks or playlists before game - but, my belly has to be full (fat woman lives inside me)! 😀
Sleep well is essential, but I also noticed that on days I go to the gym after a good night of sleep, I also have better results on poker.
First and foremost is play on the computer!!! It feels more comfortable and I have a larger screen and my mouse to bet with... rather than using a smartphone and fingers... Also I totally agree with the others that if you want a good result/finish. Then make sure you have the time to do so.
Rest and a correct mindset to achieve the final table
I don't have any sacred rituals. Lately I've been playing cash game zoom, so what I do is open just one table at the beginning. I only open more tables after a certain time.
Sometimes, I make myself sandwiches ahead of time, just in case 🙂 But mostly all my preparation starts with a cup or two of coffee.
sleep check
food check
hydration check
shower check
and exercise
Sip a cup of coffee
There is no helping my poker game ! If I get lucky , or at least dont get unlucky , I have a chance . Unfortunately there are too many strong players nowadays .
Strange that I say it, I am in total chaos between work, wife, family, my children, and the family where I come from. I don't have enough time for certain rituals or taboos. I don't realize how time flies , especially my free time in which my mind is on what I will do with the team tomorrow at work, on the projects I am responsible for, or what I am going to do for the family at home. So before a game maybe,I already have some alcohol, to rest easier at night, or maybe I would even like a good sleep and give up the game.
However, here I am breaking from my routine and occupations. So I'm not doing anything special because I'm going to play something specific.
Physical preparation includes a good night’s sleep. A day with no distractions, weekends work best for me. Play when not tired and are in a calm state of mind.
Before sitting down for poker, make sure to take care of any business that needs to be taken cared off so there will be no disruptions during the game. Clear the mind of worries then reg online or live, ready to play.
For live tournaments, I sit on the table 10-15 minutes before tourney start & quietly meditate to refocus my mind on tourney strat as I believe my default game is cash game. Recalibrate those fold, call, & raise ranges. Ready to play.
If I never played poker when I was tired, depressed, angry, sad, or in physical or mental pain I would have played VERY few hands (https://www.casino.us/poker/strategy/poker-hands/) in my "career" (online 2003-2013).
Sure if you only play for fun, there is no point in playing poker in a bad mental or physical state. But if it's your part-time job you can't have the luxury of only playing when you feel great.
So what did I do to play my A-game:
So even if I didn't feel at the top of my game if others played like I did when I played my C-game in relative terms it was like if I played at least my B-game that was good enough.
Maybe not the healthiest approach but it made me being able to go straight from bed after maybe 2-3 hours of sleep to play for up to 24 hours straight if the games were good.
I was always at my sharpest mentally when in a fasted state.
Train yourself to not care about how much money you have lost or won previously and don't set any monetary goal before your session. Just think that you should make the best possible decisions in every situation. But if you make a mistake just get over it. Meditation can help you achieve this state, but it should come naturally after many hours of practice.
This was when I played to earn money. Now I don't do anything special before I play.
I only play tournaments. Before a larger live tournament, I make sure I am feeling in generally good health, have been sleeping well, and have been getting regular exercise. I also pack a bag with some healthy snacks like nuts and fruit. I have also found that doing meditation before the tournament and on breaks, it helps me feel calmer and more focused. Something new, I will try for next time, is to run through some drills and charts for certain spots like blinds and button. If I do not feel in the right mindset, I don't play.
What helps you prepare to play your A-game?
I don't have any specific ritual for playing poker, the only thing I do when I want to play is fill out the form asking my wife for permission, and hand it in the day before and pray that she authorizes it.🙏😁🤣🤣
Online, I only play in the evening, so after lunch, a nice nap is a must, then a walk, after which I make sure there's nothing left to do for the day, I listen to some of my favorite music, then I shut everything off, no distractions.
If one of the above is missing, there would be no A game.
I don't play much live poker lately, but when I eventually do, I replace the "music" with about 10 minutes meditation. I always go early and choose a quiet area by the casino or inside if there's a little park or garden.
I have my strategy clear in mind, I look for solutions with more equity (https://www.casino.us/poker/strategy/poker-equity/) in value, always calmly waiting for good hands
IM usually eating something tasty watching osme video on youtube and when i play ill put some music and try to get on the zone to play my best 🙂.
In my case, do physical exercise. Spend a little energy on that, a good shower to relax and straight to play.
How do you prepare for a poker session ? This could be physical or mental preparation, or organizing snacks or music. Does it differ for you when it's a cash game vs and tournament? Or an online game vs. live?
What helps you prepare to play your A-game?
A deep breath and dumb luck! 😎😱
There must be something that definitely helps me, but the fact that you stand in one place for a long time can be a bit of movement before that 👣👣👣👣👣
Before a poker session, I do 10-minute exercises... I also prepare myself psychologically that I won’t always be able to win...
When it comes to bringing my A-game to the table, I've found that a combination of factors really makes a difference for me. Here are a few things that have helped elevate my performance:
Setting Aside Dedicated Time (https://www.casino.us/cardschat/general-poker-13/what-helps-you-prepare-play-your-537904/#-1-setting-aside-dedicated-time) Making sure to set aside dedicated, uninterrupted time to play has been crucial. This means carving out a block of time where I know I won't be interrupted by other obligations or distractions. Whether it's an hour or a few, having that focused time really allows me to get into the zone and concentrate fully on the game.
Prioritizing Rest (https://www.casino.us/cardschat/general-poker-13/what-helps-you-prepare-play-your-537904/#-2-prioritizing-rest) Rest is often underestimated but it's absolutely essential for peak performance. Getting a good night's sleep ensures that my mind is sharp and my reflexes are on point. I've noticed a significant difference in my gameplay when I'm well-rested versus when I'm running on fumes.
Fueling My Body (https://www.casino.us/cardschat/general-poker-13/what-helps-you-prepare-play-your-537904/#-3-fueling-my-body) Eating well before a gaming session might seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact. I've found that having a balanced meal, rich in nutrients, helps sustain my energy levels throughout the game. Snacking on fruits, nuts, or other healthy options during longer sessions also keeps me from feeling sluggish.
Staying Hydrated (https://www.casino.us/cardschat/general-poker-13/what-helps-you-prepare-play-your-537904/#-4-staying-hydrated) Hydration is key for staying focused and alert. I always make sure to have a bottle of water nearby, especially during intense matches. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes in my clarity of thought and overall performance.
Cultivating a Positive Emotional State (https://www.casino.us/cardschat/general-poker-13/what-helps-you-prepare-play-your-537904/#-5-cultivating-a-positive-emotional-state) Last but definitely not least, my emotional state plays a huge role. When I approach the game with a positive mindset—free from stress, frustration, or distractions—I find that I make better decisions and perform more consistently. Taking a moment to breathe, relax, and clear my mind before diving in has become a ritual that sets the stage for success.
These may seem like simple tips, but when combined, they create a solid foundation for playing at my absolute best. I'd love to hear what strategies work best for everyone else—let's share our tips and elevate each other's game!
Looking forward to the discussion!
I used to have a habit of making sure everything was all set so I could play, make sure I'm not sleepy, put my fave playlists on..... but it doesn't matter at this point, someone always needs this or that, or is hungry even though they just ate, or the dogs or cats want out... or in lol, now if I ever get time to play I just grab a pepsi and wing it👍
Before I start playing:music in headphones,read my notes basic A-game strategy,check bankroll (https://www.casino.us/poker/strategy/poker-bankroll-management/) status,make sure poker table has settings I am comfortable with,and write on laptop note 50 minutes from I start playing that is breaktime at least 10 minutes in total silence to rest brain from playing poker before I play maximum 50 minutes again.
I'm not prepared for anything.I'm trying to be fresh mentally.
Cash game I have no preparation, it's zoom , I play and i stop whenever I want
But for tourneys I want to start playing early , fresh , relaxed , having slept enough , with patience equipped , having eaten well , maybe have some snacks for later . Generally for sngs or tourneys that last 2 hours or many hours I demand a good preparation or else i will not play at all .
For me, preparation for a poker session is good sleep and a good mood.
well rested so that i'm patient and a lot of free time
i don´t prepare i just sit and play the max i can
How do you prepare for a poker session ? This could be physical or mental preparation, or organizing snacks or music. Does it differ for you when it's a cash game vs and tournament? Or an online game vs. live?
What helps you prepare to play your A-game?
Before important tournaments, I try to do all the household chores (like clean the house, wash the dishes, feed the cat after all). This helps me to concentrate on poker as much as possible. 🙂
I believe that the most important thing I need to play poker well is proper rest. I need to get a good night's sleep and rest before the game. It is advisable to hold the tournament on my day off, because when I play after work, I am more motivated to sleep than to play poker for several hours. Also, for me, it’s better not to watch a movie or TV series in parallel with the game, it distracts me greatly from the game. Listening to music is allowed; it doesn't stop me from playing. I'm only talking about online tournaments, I hardly play cash games and I don't play live at all.
To prepare for a poker session, a concentrated mental approach is essential, making sure to study strategies and maintain a positive frame of mind. Physically, rest, nutrition and hydration are key. Organize your materials and plan your time appropriately. In cash games, manage your bankroll, while in tournaments, adjust your strategy based on the payout structure. Adapting to the dynamics of online and live gaming is crucial, as is choosing music and snacks that complement your approach. With self-awareness, set clear goals for each session, adapting to different situations at the table to play your best game.
Having not already a poker game (https://www.casino.us/poker/games/) on that day. So being fresh and clear in the mind to concentrate, and not forget going to toilet before 🙂
Play after eating food, pour a drink, get some music on or live poker in the background
For poker tournaments or freerols from CardsChat I'm prepared with water(don't drink when you want to play long games),snacks,always mental prepared for cash tournaments and also "read" the players from the tables and notice them every hand,that's my behavior
Hi
I don't have any special training for the game. I only play online, and for me poker is primarily entertainment. It's always difficult to find time to play, and that's why I don't have time for any preliminary preparation. If I see that I have a more or less free evening, I know that I will have a good time playing in my favorite tournaments.
A good night of sleep with a nice breakfast and sometimes I also enjoy to take my time put some music on background or even meditate. Just puts my mind in the right place and calms my nerves. I feel like I'm not making the best decisions when I'm in a rush or didn't had enough time to prepare.
Depends on the game I am playing.
League game: supper done, wine chilled and glass ready.
Day to day poker: make sure I have free time and just sit down and play.
Major tourney: (online or live) good night sleep, well fed with brain food, meditation.
For me correspond to what you'll win in the game or tournament. Or for example, the CC league when I see that all the team wants really to win the league, and not just having a good time, I give it all.
I must admit that the bigger the prize is, the more concentrated and relaxed I am, trying to put working the A+ game.
To be patient, concentrate and no alcohol
Nothing helps)
I use to take a power nap before the session and sometimes a gym training too
To play poker you only need time, know that a tournament can last 5 to 8 hours! be well fed forget about distractions like music or talking to someone or being on the phone
Forgoing everything else. I can't control the cards or players. I have to mentally ready, meaning I'm ready to play with no doubts about what I'm about to do. Also no distractions, be rested, hydrated and a healthy meal before hand.
I drink two big cups of coffee.
Having the right state of mind is the key at least for me.
If I'm too anxious, angry, tired, or my thoughts are completely somewhere else, the best +EV move is to stay away from games.
What helps me prepare before starting the online poker (https://www.casino.us/poker/) game is when I can focus when I'm alone. I don't like noise or talking to anyone when I'm playing poker. Full concentration while playing poker is very effective for me.
To play my A game, I have to be focused.
I tend to be on the ADHD side of things at times so it's tuff.
Sometimes I catch myself with TV on, second computer screen on You Tube, cell phone in hand, and playing with something on my desk.
To get to the A game , I have to turn all of that extra stuff off and just have the poker game (https://www.casino.us/poker/games/) on.
If I do that I can focus and play my A game.
I think being in a good mood, having eaten a meal, being rested, etc.
Hi 🙂
Coffee helps me prepare for the game 🙂
I play poker in the evenings, after work, sometimes I'm quite tired, but if the desire to play overcomes the fatigue, coffee is a great way to cheer me up.
Good luck 🙂
I usually don't prepare much for a game if it's online. I just want to play and I choose exactly what it will be, if it's a tournament, I look at what it is and then I decide what I need: snacks, water, or maybe finish things off.
If it is a live game at home, then you must have a snack, everyone has something to drink depending on their wishes, and prepare a place for the game.
The short answer to the question for me is 'Concentration', I prefer quiet play without interruption, which is quite difficult. It seems that my dogs know when I'm playing, and while they lay around most of the day, they always come around to be taken out (or petted, or something else) during poker sessions!
A cup of coffee and a daily dose of word puzzles.
I try to be relaxed before playing.
So, a couple of hours before the game, I ride my bicycle or swim a long time to expel the negative vibes.
Then, during about 30 minutes, I read the book that I have in progress in order to complete the relaxing strategy.
And then I offer myself a short drink which is supposed to remove my poker inhibitions and wide my range 😆
And finally... I pray Lady Variance 🤣
I do everything to approach the game with a good and fighting spirit. It can be walking or anything else related to the accumulation of positive energy.
Having the best hand definetly helps a lot 😀
Otherwise: unfortunately I don't have an A-game 🙁
basically you need silence, tea and sleep.
Study,good sleep,exercise,rotine and good food
I have a small note with the mistakes I have just written down, I read them over so that I become aware of them during the session.
I move around a bit, I make water for myself.
I don't have a particular routine when I'm live.
couple of glasses of vine cant hurt
Of course, in order for a person to play A game purvo, he must have rested. I always get a good night's sleep before a tournament or cash game although in cash games when I make even one mistake in my opinion I can leave the game at any time. Also, before a long tournament I play sudoku chess and solve logic problems. When the tournament lasts a long time, I drink energy drinks and coffee. I spend my breaks in the fresh air.
I prepare myself mentally if everything is not calm at home my game sucks I need concentration, without popcorn, snacks and music in any situation I need peace
I think there are some physical and some psychological aspects. At first the physical things. I tried to have enough sleep, especially if there is a possible long grind deep in the night. I could start only after the evening diner, so if i play a mtt with thousands of people, a deeprun could go until 5 or 6 in the morning. And if im tired at this most important stage of the tourney the bad decisions are increasing very high. And thats costs alot of money and value. Deepruns are very rar, so if you had those games, its so important to play your best game. Also psychological issues are important. if iam tilt, bad decisions are higher.
Don’t be a “Hero” in poker, don’t lose your spirit in the downswing, and your head in the upswing, and develop the habit of working and playing a lot.Sleep and eat before the game.
the single most important factor here is getting a good night’s sleep
Have a good rest and visualize the final table if I'm playing a tournament.
Being well-rested and free of stress helps me the most. Drinking plenty of water and having a solid meal a few hours beforehand works as well.
Follow the HALT rule. Don't play if hungry, angry lonely or tired. Also, the fewer distractions the better!
Before I start playing I like to go over a poker hand in advance; I also prepare something to eat for the breaks, and that really makes a big difference for me.
What motivates me is the possibility of earning a significant amount of money. For that, I need comfort, a quiet home, good health, and a full stomach.
I enjoy shutting myself in my room and not worrying about anything. I put on music and begin to play — that's basically my routine. First I eat something and use the bathroom, then it’s just the game.
The only solution I see is to study, study, and study! That's it.
Part of my preparation for poker is making coffee and packing some snacks.
Before that, I like to do something else, read, watch a movie, to refresh myself a bit, then the grind comes. 😎
Each day I set aside thirty minutes for mental relaxation. That really helps me during my poker sessions.
The main aspect for me to play my best is to avoid all distractions. Having a clean mind and no preoccupations about anything is good. Also, avoiding noise or people in the same room. It is necessary to have total focus when playing.
On the personal side, I also like to dress up to play, not simply start playing in any time. So I take a shower, I wear a comfortable shirt that I like.
It is also good to have your meals prepared if you are going to take long sessions, so you don't starve when playing.
And of course, lots and lots of water always available.
How do you get ready for a poker session? This could involve physical or mental routines, arranging snacks or playlists. Do you prepare differently for cash games versus tournaments, or for online play versus live tables?
What routines help you arrive in your A-game?
I usually play poker in the evenings after work. My prep sequence looks like this: I get home, shower, eat, brew some coffee, make a few sandwiches, ... and then I'm set and ready 🙂
The key point is that I stay calm and everything will be fine.
Being well-rested (sufficient sleep),
a relaxed mood,
strong focus on the game,
adequate hydration (water),
soft, calming music,
confidence that hasn’t been eroded by daily struggles.
And numerous other, perhaps minor, factors that individually have small effects but collectively create an A-game setup.
Not everything listed is grounded in science.
Vaping a little weed.
It’s particularly helpful for me to avoid boredom and play my C, D, E or F‑Game when I don’t have many tables, or even only 1 table open.
With many tables it becomes counterproductive because I begin to miss other players’ actions 😅 and sometimes I do stupid s**t while high. Like overbet bluffing (https://www.casino.us/poker/strategy/bluffing/) callstations or other creative bs 😆
(if you’re not an experienced weed user then it’s not recommended while playing. You will LOOSE)
I enjoy playing along with music; it really helps me a lot 👍
Before sitting down for poker, make sure to take care of any business that needs to be taken cared off so there will be no disruptions during the game. Clear the mind of worries then reg online or live, ready to play.
For live tournaments, I sit on the table 10-15 minutes before tourney start & quietly meditate to refocus my mind on tourney strat as I believe my default game is cash game. Recalibrate those fold, call, & raise ranges. Ready to play.
Taking care of any lingering tasks beforehand helps ensure your focus remains solely on the game at hand, minimizing potential distractions. And your approach to live tournaments, taking a few moments to center yourself and recalibrate your strategies, shows a commitment to adaptability and maximizing your chances of success in different formats.
A break of week from poker.
If it's an important game and I haven't played for a while, I'll warm up with some low stakes poker first.
I normally eat breakfast first, play some calming music, and then I start the game!
When I'm gearing up for a lengthy gaming session, I make myself a cup of tea and set up to watch a movie or TV show.
This applies to games that matter to me..
Completing my daily routine, walking the dog, tidying up, and so on.
Preparing coffee and sipping it while I have a smoke.
Then I sit down, put something on to watch, and begin playing.
I often walk my dog two or three times daily. I particularly prefer walking before the evening tournaments. Time outdoors does me good, especially for my nerves. After the walk, I'm calm as a boa, and I play with great patience and concentration 🙂
For me there is no difference whether it is live poker or online poker (https://www.casino.us/poker/), whether it is a cash game or a tournament. The main thing before a gaming session is to get a good night's sleep, have a good day, and preferably get some positive emotions. There should be a lot of positive energy inside me that I will be ready to spend on the game. Nothing in life should bother me, I should feel good and at the same time know that I don’t need to rush anywhere. In order for the gaming session to go well and luck to be on my side, I must be completely relaxed, I must be in a good mood and I must enjoy the game.
My couch helps me get ready for the match 🙂
I prefer to eat a good meal before the tournament and then recline on the sofa for half an hour or an hour, imagining how I’ll spend the prize money I win 🙂
It's important for me to be able to concentrate fully on poker. If I have other things on my mind, such as work or maybe even looking after the children, I can't play my best poker. It's also important that I'm not tired, otherwise I get impatient too quickly and don't play my best hands (https://www.casino.us/poker/strategy/poker-hands/). I play a maximum of 3 tables at the same time, more tables would put me under too much pressure to make decisions. I prefer to have 2 tables so I don't get bored but can still play my best poker.
I have a kind of "superstition ritual" that triggers me in a way - 😎...at least that's how I lie to myself and then believe that it does something!
Quite honestly, when I play my A+ game, I haven't really done anything. The day has just led me to a relaxed and focused state naturally. There are things I can do when this state isn't reached naturally but I'll only reach A game, not A+. Some of the best things for relaxation include, eating a light meal of favorite foods, a long hot shower, of simply sitting quietly in a comfortable chair whilie clearing my mind. Things that help with focus can be a light study session, the chair sitting I mentioned, and probably most effectively, reviewing my goals for the upcoming session and focusing on the strategies that will help me achieve that goal.
What's most important to me is maintaining a good state of mind; everything else comes second.
When the match matters, preparing by studying boosts confidence.
For me, it's having good health, doing well in my studies, and being on good terms with family and friends. When I feel I have these things in place, I feel comfortable and can play my A-GAME.
i need a good sleep for min. 6,5 hours to 8,5 hours.
45-90 mins walk outdoor
before a tournament session it is necessary that i had a good meal, in order i would i say 2-3 hours before poker just to have time to get awake again with an espresso and 10 mins outdoor walk.
2 drinks water and a juice or coke/beer, if it is gonna be an extendet tournament or long session it is helpful when 2 little snacks like nuts or crackers are be prepared already.
good music like jazz can helps to stay in a good mood for poker
for cash games i wouldnt do this, because i can sit out when ever i want and come back again if i needs break and having a chilled poker session!
For me, the most important thing is a positive attitude and that I am rested. Additionally, I must be aware that my next day is free from work. So I play best on weekends at first. It helps me approach the game better because I play tournaments and I like to be aware of the next day off. Importantly, I also like it when I have more money set aside for recreational purposes, including playing poker. This allows you to approach the game more freely. What helps me most in motivating and planning the game is some previous success, even a small one. Positive early effects of something not necessarily related to poker make me feel positive about the game. I also only play a maximum of 2 tables to get the most out of the game and not to play automatically. Having more money in my account is the best motivation for me to play. 🙂
Personally for Me, a good dream and food are Two Main things before Game in Poker. Also important to the different physical exersises
during Break Time, and then with Mental Health will OK! That's it!
P. S. Yes, and else, Lady Luck in this moment need on my side too!
Maybe complete silence and concentration prepares for the game, plus 2 packs of cigarettes... There is nothing special that would make it better...
Taking a solid nap before the match, rising 30 minutes before kickoff, and enjoying a strong cup of coffee. Beginning the game feeling refreshed and attentive..
How do you get ready for a poker session? This can include physical or mental routines, or arranging snacks and music. Do you prepare differently for cash games versus tournaments? Or for online play versus live play?
What routines put you in a position to play your best?
I only play online. I maintain an Excel file listing games I might be interested in. I have one sheet for weekdays, another for Saturdays, and a third for Sundays.
Before I begin I indicate which games I'll join, and during each break I open their lobbies. That prevents the stress of searching for tables while I’m in a session.
To ensure you're bringing your A-game to a poker session, preparation is key. Begin with a clear, focused mindset; mental clarity is crucial for making sound decisions under pressure. Set specific, achievable goals for the session beyond just winning, like improving bluff (https://www.casino.us/poker/strategy/bluffing/) detection or managing bankroll (https://www.casino.us/poker/strategy/poker-bankroll-management/) effectively. Physical preparation matters too; ensure you're rested, hydrated, and have had nutritious food. A good physical state supports mental agility. Create a distraction-free environment, minimizing potential interruptions that could break your focus. Study your opponents if possible, understanding their tendencies can give you a strategic edge. Warm-up by reviewing key strategies or playing some practice hands; this gets your mind into 'poker mode'. Mindfulness or visualization techniques can help you reach a state of calm readiness, enhancing focus and emotional control during the game. Finally, have a plan for managing tilt, ensuring that if things don't go as planned, you can maintain composure and continue to play effectively.
How do you prepare for a poker session ? This could be physical or mental preparation, or organizing snacks or music. Does it differ for you when it's a cash game vs and tournament? Or an online game vs. live?
What helps you prepare to play your A-game?
Personally, I prefer to dedicate myself to Sit In go and Mtt online.
For the best game you need to be absolutely immersed in focus. Think about every play after the middle of the game.
In other words, in the initial period you just need to play the basics, after that you need to focus.
I turn off everything around me. If I listen to music, I prefer songs with soft lyrics or bpm that synchronizes to 80BPM rhythms, keeping me in a controlled state.
I need to eat and hydrate well, keeping my mind at a high level.
By controlling the environment, it is easier to control the mind.
I usually play poker in the evenings, and the only prep I need is a hearty dinner 🙂
For me it's a question of whether I'll have enough time to go all the way. So I'll begin with time management, then make sure everything is in place — drinks, snacks, and of course my playlist, plus any notes I might need. Sometimes I'll also check the list of people playing and keep an eye on a few of them, and that's about it.
A chilled beer straight from the fridge—always puts me right 🙂 .... For me, this works best. But at I am firmly opposed to drinking to excess. In my situation, 1-2 cans of cold beer are just for pleasure and good fortune 🙂
6-7 free hours is the first condition when I play a tournament. It`s too boring to be in money and to have to do something obligatory( to go to work, restaurant etc.
Before the match, I brew a large cup of green tea. Green tea energizes me considerably and sharpens my focus afterward. As Regarding food, I generally choose fruit and I enjoy snacking on dark chocolate while playing.
I can't call it preparation, but before I start (and, of course, while playing) I ask the poker gods to remember me and help me make the right choice: reset, call or raise. If it works, I raise my hands up and send streams of gratitude, and if not, I tell myself, oh my God, what a fool you are, you had the opportunity and signs to make a decision. I'm preparing a few sandwiches and a bottle (2) of beer and some potato chips in case the game lasts a long time.
but that was a long time ago, now it's time to resume it🙂 👍
Get enough sleep. Maintain good nutrition and regular exercise — I already have those covered.
What fluctuates is my mental state. When I'm preoccupied, which happens far too often, I play awful poker.
In the past I have only played live poker at a casino. I always get a good nights sleep, eat well before I get there and drink water while I play.
It’s always a trade-off between rest and rust. You want to be well-rested and clear-headed, but you also want to stay sharp and focused, which comes from playing. So I aim for a good night’s sleep, some studying and planning the evening before, and a short practice game before a major tournament.
How do you prepare for a poker session ? This could be physical or mental preparation, or organizing snacks or music. Does it differ for you when it's a cash game vs and tournament? Or an online game vs. live?
What helps you prepare to play your A-game?
I'm a simple person and I just do the basics before my poker sessions: sleep well, eat well and exercise a bit- usually going for a short run while listening to some music/ podcast.. I do this before both an online and live game, but tbh I do a few more things before my live sessions and that's why, nowadays, I prefer to play mostly online and save some time for other IRL activities with family and friends...
Other than this, I often take short breaks from any gambling (https://www.casino.us/) activity- including poker(even after winning sessions), and this way I avoid feeling burnout and IMO it helps a lot in bringing my A game at the tables and also playing well for longer periods of time...
GLGL all at the tables 💸💸💸
no pregame ritual or anything like that for me to get in the zone. mostly just know that i have the entire day (if needed) to devote to playing, and then just never lose focus. play each hand as it comes, and play it the best i can. and if a bad beat happens, forget it as soon as the cards are dealt for the next hand.
How do you prepare for a poker session ? This could be physical or mental preparation, or organizing snacks or music. Does it differ for you when it's a cash game vs and tournament? Or an online game vs. live?
What helps you prepare to play your A-game?
I turn off the cell phone and all of the computer's social media. I medidate, drink water, go to the bathroom.
Then I say to myself that it's a hard game. That I will lose no matter how good I play. That horrible things and worst can and will happen and it's perfectly normal.
I try to remove my ego completely before entering the tables. When I'm playing I do not listen to music, TV, nothing that could ever distract me.
I'm cold as a psychopath, my only concern is to make the most EV action and let the chips fall as they may.
When I play my A game I'm always planning out what needs done before I sit down. I don't want to be rushed and I want to make sure my head is clear and I'm calm and ready to play. I also don't want to register too late so I need to be prepped so I'm 100% focused and ready to go!
Sleep and pre-work, like playing sattelites just to get to remember, in action, that I must not pay till river to get cracked with pocket Qs, just due to it's initial value
Typically, prior to beginning an online or live session, the key is to be well-rested and to have sufficient time set aside for the session, whether it’s MTT or Cash.
Maintain good nutrition and stay hydrated before and throughout the session.
For tournaments:
Arrange meals and prepare them beforehand.
Listen to music while going over some hands (https://www.casino.us/poker/strategy/poker-hands/).
View a favorite Twitch streamer for 15 minutes.
Walk the dog.
For Cashgame play:
Walk the dog.
A workout at the gym, a great meal and some solid music and I’m set to go win poker tournaments 😁
Being properly nourished, rested, and composed is the best preparation.
I don't take any special steps to get ready for a poker session. I simply play whenever I have the time.
Enjoying good music and being alone
I try to sleep well the night before; I hate playing when I haven't slept properly.
A cup of tea gets me started.
How do you prepare for a poker session ? This could be physical or mental preparation, or organizing snacks or music. Does it differ for you when it's a cash game vs and tournament? Or an online game vs. live?
What helps you prepare to play your A-game?
Great question. I just got back from Vegas and to prepare for my games while I was there (this applies to online games too) I would make sure that I got in a good workout that day and then if I had played the night before, I would mentally review any hands that I had played (for online, I just review the hands I have marked in PT). I like to get there early whether I am playing a tournament or a cash game and walk around and kind of observe the action, who was playing loose, who has the biggest stacks, who is drunk, ect. I did this for both cash and tournaments because I usually get there in time to play a bit of cash leading into a tournament and I have always noticed that the cash players are usually regged for the tournament, plus, the ones who aren't, I may see after the tournament at the cash tables. Then I like to get my seat assignment as early as possible so I can set up a side table to have drinks ready to go (non-alcoholic of course).
Online, I always prepare with the workout and hand review and I also set up drinks and snacks so that I know it won't take my attention away from the game during actual game play.
How do you prepare for a poker session ? This could be physical or mental preparation, or organizing snacks or music. Does it differ for you when it's a cash game vs and tournament? Or an online game vs. live?
What helps you prepare to play your A-game?
Since I'm recreational player and playing poker for fun and to relax myself I don't have many preparations but still have some.
If I play some significant online tournament (to me), first, I have to be "hungry" for poker (that means that I didn't played poker for several days) and secondly, I mustn't be tired before the start of that tournament.
If I play online cash game I just need to be "hungry" for poker since I'm usually less than 30 minutes at the table.
As for live game, I haven't been at a live game for a decade for sure but if I'd plan to go to a live game today preparations would be the same, don't be tired, don't be hungry and have enough time to play relaxed without any real life obligations to attend to.
For me, the main option for a normal poker game (https://www.casino.us/poker/games/) is having free time as well as pre-prepared sweets and drinks.
Meditation half an hour before starting to play. Relax your mind and heart
Before I play a poker session, I need to be well-rested, eat properly, then switch off my phone and be 100% fully concentrated on my game.
I think you should study your game first, and accept that in poker you are going to lose no matter how good a player you are.
If poker were easy, everyone would quit their jobs to become millionaires playing poker.
You have to endure the bad streaks, study and put in volume, sooner or later you will be a winning player.
How do you get ready for a poker session? This can include physical or mental prep, arranging snacks or playlists. Do you prepare differently for cash games versus tournaments? Or for online play versus live?
What routines help you arrive ready to play your best?
Sleep is my biggest aid. If I have an open hour before a session I like to nap. A brief rest revitalizes me and after a short sleep my focus is much better.
How do you get ready for a poker session? This can include physical or mental routines, arranging snacks or music, etc. Do you prepare differently for cash games versus tournaments? Or for online play versus live games?
What practices put you in your A-game?
For online sessions I don’t do any preparation. For live games I prefer to meet my opponents beforehand, watch them and jot down notes.
I like to go for a workout in the morning. After I am done, I study certain spots like SRP BtnvsBB etc and then eat something and start my session.
Just don't overthink and try to play your a-game.
As stupid as it may sound, what helps me prepare is that I prepare.😀😀 I’ll make myself dinner (since I’m playing in the evening), so that during a break I’ll just have to “throw” it in the microwave, do some exercises, go to the shower, drink coffee, make tea in a thermos and take some chocolates in case the session will drag on - when I don’t have to worry about anything anymore, I can calmly give my all to poker)
I only play poker when I’m sure I can play deep. I won’t begin a session if I know I’ll need to do something within the next 4 hours.
Avoid eating high-fat foods before the game; carry low-fat snacks so my stomach won’t gurgle... also if I got 2 days to prepare it helps to spend the day prior outdoors — hiking, birding, fishing, or similar activities.
My primary preparation is mostly about having confidence in my ability and style of play. Relying on that will carry me through. Other than that, there isn’t much — I just try to arrive and be checked in before the tournament starts.
Music definitely puts me in a better mood for playing, whether it's online or in person.
And when hunger hits, there's nothing to do but wait for a pause and then go hunt for food lol
Well fed and having time to play.
Oh yeah. Preparing for a game is tough. That’s doubly true for tournaments. For sit-and-go events, though, that kind of prep isn’t necessary. And there’s always some distraction. It feels like everything’s ready and only the match is left. But nearly every time some issue appears. And the older you become, the more of them show up! 🤣🤣🤣
I don't do any particular rituals before a match ))
And while I'm playing I usually listen to my favorite songs!
I do a short meditation before a poker session and enjoy having music on while I play.
How do you get ready for a poker session? This can include physical or mental prep, arranging snacks or playlists. Do you prepare differently for cash games versus tournaments? Or for online play versus live tables?
What do you do to be ready to play your best?
I try to sleep well and eat properly. That keeps my head clear.
I tend to perform best when I’m rested, remain focused on the game, face few or no distractions, and maintain the discipline to stay concentrated.
I believe a major component of success at playing poker is managing one’s ego and emotions. Therefore, broadly speaking, that implies avoiding drugs, alcohol and even heavy food intake before and during play — each of these can influence emotions and, consequently, patience. 🙂
What helps me before I start a day of poker is being well rested, having coffee, and listening to good music.
How do you get ready for a poker session? This can include physical or mental routines, arranging snacks or playlists. Do your preparations change for cash games versus tournaments? Or for online sessions versus live play?
What routines or rituals put you in your A-game?
I do most of my poker in the mornings, so coffee is my go-to prep. ☕
👍
Getting good sleep and staying properly hydrated makes a big difference
Improve my lifestyle
Improve my lifestyle
Could you clarify this further? Do you change your lifestyle in preparation, and if so, what steps do you take?
Tome algumas cervejas.
Boost my earnings so I can enjoy a better life. That’s what poker means to me.
I still need to improve a lot in this regard. I have trouble concentrating in very long games. I only play online tournaments. If I'm doing well in the tournament with a big pot I can concentrate more. If I take a hit and my pot decreases a lot, and if I have a sequence of bad cards, I end up getting distracted and the game takes a backseat. In these situations, I always leave tournaments early. And I don't do any preparation to play,
My number one point is to have a good rest the previous night. I want to have a good sleep and not be tired at all before I start a session.
Before the session I don't want to eat refined sugar stuff or drink alcohol.
Listening to some positive uplifting music before the session is something that I apply a lot of times.
I carefully calculate to have min. 6 hours free time and organize being alone, nobody around, when I play money tournament . In cash games I participate having 1-2 hours.
I find being well rested (sleep) and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet help me bring my A game.
Also, doing a brief refresher of study material right before hitting the tables can put you in the proper mindset.
I try to be refreshed as possible as I can, and take care of leaving the routine aside, so that to play freely and enjoy the game.
Ok, ideal preparation begins with consistent physical exercise. Train outdoors, lift weights, and do cardio (swimming, running). Next, study the theory (coaching, streams, books, audiobooks, videos). Then get a good 7-8 hours of deep, restorative sleep the night before. After that, prepare food you can reheat or cook in 5 minutes during a break. Finally, make yourself set aside any problems and ignore distractions. You may only divert attention if family or friends require urgent help. So that’s essentially it — a flexible, general-purpose approach.
I find that having no distractions brings out my A game. Listening to music, eating, or drinking all distract me. I am not a great poker player, so I need to concentrate 100%
I try to get the best sleep possible and play when I’m in a good mood—emotions are really important. I usually listen to music while I play, as it helps calm my anxiety; for a while, I also listened to ASMR audio, which was helpful too. I prioritize comfortable clothing—comfort is key (though I’m still missing a gaming chair)—and I make sure to eat before I start playing so I don’t get distracted
For me, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and starting with a clear mind make a big difference. ♠️ I also like to review a few key strategies before playing and set limits for the session. Most importantly, I try to leave stress outside the table and avoid playing when I'm tired or emotional. Poker is as much a mental game as a technical one! 🧠🃏 What about you guys?