When I encounter a new player, I like to take note of how they play. I colour code them, write some notes. I might mention odd starting hand choices for a given position or action.
When I start a session, I always arrange everything "just so". Game sizing, HUD arrangement. Notes.
If it is a CC group, I remind myself that this bunch tends to be TAG or Nit. So I remind myself to play more widely and continue aggression, watching for trapping,
I also usually connect to my Friday Night Poker Club VoIP chat whenever I play any poker, not just for my Friday game. As long as we are not playing in the same game, we'll share info and offer tips and guidance to each other. I tend to have the most notes, but others are often really quick to highlight if a player is getting into Push/Fold territory.
I also get out a stack of 10 chips to occupy my
hands and give me a distraction which does not impair attention, but allows me to be more patient.
I often go to get a high five or "lucky touch" from my family before I start and they wish me luck. I also get my dwarf-forge coin or my valar morghulis (all men must die) coin. These are normally what I use for card protector in live poker.
There are some other variations, depending on whether the dog wants to be on my lap or not...
Most other preparations are normal/sensible precautions like reviewing notes. Deciding what image I want to portray to which table, whether I feel particularly aggressive or passive on a given day. Probe my mood to determine what my weakness will be today...
That sort of stuff...
Cheers,
ObbleeXY