I think it hinders performance, over the long term. In the very short term, since nicotine is a stimulant, it will obviously stimulate you. But long term, since it will likely become an addiction, not only will your body be more used to it so you'll likely need to smoke more often just to feel stimulated, the addiction will likely begin to interfere with you just being content, and your overall concentration. You'll often be thinking that you want a cigarette, or with the addiction aspect, actually need a cigarette. So it will likely begin to interrupt your thoughts. "I need a smoke". "When is the next break so I can get a smoke". "Can I make it until the next break, or should I just miss some hands, and go smoke a quick cigarette now". "I'll be right back, gotta go take a smoke break". "I can't believe I just lost that hand. I need a cigarette". And of course, the majority of people will begin to suffer negative physical effects from smoking. Which manifest is so many ways, that are likely to negatively affect your performance. And your life. And literally maybe cause you to prematurely lose your life. So, yeah, I think it will hinder your performance.