How do you handle mental fatigue?

#1 11th June 2009, 8:40 PM

I have found that I am at my best for the first 6 hours of play.
After that I am useless.
My trick is to squeeze 3-4 tourneys in that 6 hours.
Any other ideas?

#2 11th June 2009, 9:42 PM

Well, the best way to cope with fatigue is to take breaks, but not just 5 minute ones. I would suggest going on a walk outside for thirty minutes or so or even taking a power nap. You need to be focused playing good poker, and if you find yourself tired, it's smarter to rest and play well for less time than to play worse for more time.

#3 12th June 2009, 7:54 AM

6 hours play is too long.you cant play good poker more.you even have to eat something.you are your own boss.just treat good to yourself.

#4 12th June 2009, 8:06 AM

if your in a marathon type tourny ... get up and move around the room a little and get the blood flowing again,eat some brain food or drink juice...viatamins and minerals are importent to keep the brain focused...but once fatigue really catch's up to you there is little to do but shut it down and come back when your rested and ready to play again

#5 12th June 2009, 9:50 AM

smoke a whole pack of cigs and drink a pot of coffee! Breaks are for sissies.

#6 12th June 2009, 1:37 PM

Balance is everything, if you cram to much of anything you will overload or cause fatigue. when fatigue starts, its simpl you just have to take a break, no way around it. I would simply set a daily limit of tournies to play a day and start to mix your games up from holdem to (razz, Omaha, etc)

#7 12th June 2009, 2:20 PM

lol ecomdan, but I have to say that when playing a tourney like the daily dollar-which takes hoursssss, you really do need breaks to refresh the mind. If I find that I am taking strain then I get my husband to take over for a while (but not for too long cos he is super aggressive and I hate it when I want to start playing again and he has done my stack).

But I also find that I make stupid mistakes when I am mentally fatigued so I also try and jolt my mind into action by maybe playing a few freerolls at the same time or games...

#8 13th June 2009, 4:50 PM

Have some energy drink like in your fridge, some meat jerky, some fruit (ie: bananas) and maybe cereal bars to keep glucose/caffiene levels stable.

And/or like these guys said.. naps..!

#9 13th June 2009, 5:20 PM

I think it's always a good idea to take breaks when necessary - stop looking at the screen for a little bit. Get some food & drink during breaks. I find that I stay more mentally sharp if I'm playing in multiple games at once, but realize that's not for everyone.

#10 13th June 2009, 5:23 PM

I like crystal meth and cocaine for my mental fatique...
Really though I just try and stay focused for as long as I can,then when I feel myself making mistakes from fatique I quit my session.

#11 13th June 2009, 5:27 PM

I go out and play with the dog during breaks.

#12 13th June 2009, 5:54 PM

Playing for six hours would take the fun out of it for me. You need to take some breaks between playing. Get some exercise or a short nap at least.

#13 13th June 2009, 6:03 PM

I play some music that I know I get hype to. Some uptempo type stuff or just a hit that gets you goin. That along with something to eat gets me my second wind.

#14 13th June 2009, 6:11 PM

Eat carbs as your lunch or dinner, as I'm assuming that long of a session or tourney you would eat some time. Also don;t drink energy drinks until about the FT if you have one, I read an article in bluff, since energy drinks make you crash after about an hour or so.

I have seen many people on here including myself go for 7 hours or more in an mtt and go onto win, so mental and physical strain can be beaten, and focus can be maintaned. Just make sure before a long tourney like said before ITT, just get a good amount of sleep and eat small snacks along thw way!

#15 13th June 2009, 6:16 PM

Excersizing regularly shoudl help increase your stamina. Try running or riding a bike or something.

#16 13th June 2009, 6:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingCurtis

Eat carbs as your lunch or dinner, as I'm assuming that long of a session or tourney you would eat some time. Also don;t drink energy drinks until about the FT if you have one, I read an article in bluff, since energy drinks make you crash after about an hour or so.

.... actually.. 'eating carbs' by themself would be ill-advised. Carbs give one a release of insulin which actually pumps you up temporarily and then causes you to crash... UNLESS... eaten along with a source of 'protein'. The protein will help to maintain one's blood sugar levels.
Stick to 'complex' carbs as well.. 'simple carbs' (ie. sugars) will make you crash harder than all else.
When entering a big tourney I will always have some meals prepped in advance, or some easy to grab healthy snacks. It does make a difference.

#17 13th June 2009, 6:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuberr

Well, the best way to cope with fatigue is to take breaks, but not just 5 minute ones. I would suggest going on a walk outside for thirty minutes or so or even taking a power nap. You need to be focused playing good poker, and if you find yourself tired, it's smarter to rest and play well for less time than to play worse for more time.

I have to complement you on that advice it is very good .. it's smarter to rest and play well for less time than to play worse for more time.
was gonna say something like that but you said it all .. Never play when your ill either that is great advice as well.. Never play at a live table with a sick player its disgusting .. Wiping there noses coughing in the hands and then handling the cards and chips that you will receive. Pretty disgusting...

#18 13th June 2009, 9:42 PM

take a break relax and have a beer

#19 13th June 2009, 9:49 PM

Mental fatigue is a huge huge losing factor in poker. You always need to play when you are at your best mental state. This way you make better reads and your judgement is at your best.

#20 14th June 2009, 4:50 PM

First 6 hours? ^.^ How much do u play a day?
I think everybody gets tired after 6 hours, so just stop playing lol.

I guess my longest play was about 4.5 hours in a tournament. That is a good sign: the longer u stay in a tourny the more you earn.

#21 14th June 2009, 5:02 PM

I sit out and sit down in front of our 300 litre aquarium for about 5 min

- watching the fish is mind soothing.

If I don't fall asleep there (which has happened already) I'm ready to go for another 2 h.

Generally I try not to play more than 5 h a day.

I have a crazy working scedule anyway, lasting from 5:45 when I get up until 19:30 when I

usually get home.

So I can't play every day - usually it's Tue and Fri/Sat/Sun only, if my family life doesn't interfere.

job+family >>> micro poker tourneys

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