I find myself at times losing tournament after tournament then winning one here and there before I know it day has turned to early morning:0) Five hours of sleep and I am back at it again maybe three to four days at a time:0) Is this normal:0)

Man even the greatest poker players have loosing streak, i think the best to do is analyse you played and try to adapt some plays, download poker tracker (analysis) or universal replayer (watch the how you played all along) the best way to get better is learning from your mistakes. And i know it`s hard but when you loose don`t start with "i will play till i recovery" you will get broke, have discipline to control your bankroll.

Originally Posted by david1bear

I find myself at times losing tournament after tournament then winning one here and there before I know it day has turned to early morning:0) Five hours of sleep and I am back at it again maybe three to four days at a time:0) Is this normal:0)

There is no such thing as too much poker

Number one. Who dictates what normal is? Number two. How much is too much?? As far as I am concerned, if it feels good and it is not taking away from important aspects of your life than I don't see the harm in it. Important aspects might be your social life, your health, physical and mental. Is this lifestyle causing you issues at work?? Sometimes it's really good for a person to give themselves a break from an area in their life that might be somewhat extreme. For instance, averaging over 12 hours of poker a day. Don't get me wrong, if you are striving to be a professional poker player than playing 12 or more hours of poker a day may not be so extreme. That being said, I am pretty sure that even the top players in the world have to take a physical and mental break ever so often. If they didn't, they probably wouldn't be some of the top players in the world. I guess what I am trying to say is that an individual needs to try to find that balance that works best for them. What works for me may not work for you, but no matter what I believe that it is definitely important to try to find that balance. I hope that this may help you to become a better player in the long run and good luck!!!

I found when I began planning life around daily tourneys I needed a break

It is really important to establish if Poker is a hobby or a job for you. If it's a hobby than you shouldn't be playing like that. Unless your binging on a holiday weekend like you would when a new video game comes out. If it's a job then you shouldnt be playing more than 8-12hrs 5-6 times a week. If poker has taken over your ability to prioritize and perform normal tasks like chores/work or spending time nurturing relationships with family and friends. Than it's time to start contemplating addiction.

It is nice to know that there are some people out here that been through some of the same things that I am going through or just willing to help with a comment:0) will take the advice and chill sometimes but keep that cowboy in me:0)

Its to much poker if it hurts your health or relationships.

For me is until i have no bankroll anymore

I believe that you are able to play as long as you are feeling mentally sharp. Keep in mind its phycological warfare so you need to be sharp hydrated and food in your belly. Also I find exercise is important healthy body healthy mind!

If you feel like you've been playing too much, take a break. A few days off of activities unrelated to poker can help replenish your drive to play. I would go outside, explore, exercise, meditate, socialize etc. Anything to get your mind off of your bad streak.

Then after a few days or a week, if you're feeling better and more optimistic about playing, I would jump back in.

There is not enough time in the day to have to much poker. Every now and then it is good to take a break from the game and come back fresh with a new outlook on the game and a fresh start. I wish I had more time to play.

That's different for every player, you have to find the correct answer for you.

Originally Posted by david1bear

I find myself at times losing tournament after tournament then winning one here and there before I know it day has turned to early morning:0) Five hours of sleep and I am back at it again maybe three to four days at a time:0) Is this normal:0)

It can be. But you need to look at the bigger picture in your life. If you are shutting out other activities you used to enjoy while not really enjoying the poker grind, it may be time to step away and get some help.

Too much poker is when it's interfering with your personal life and responsibilities. At that point, it's now an addiction, and should seek help if it gets to that point.

You need to rethink your poker game. Develop an action plan for the day. Take the time to play and analyze your hands. If you cannot be in the positive, then reduce the game time and the amount of money for the game.

I used to play 13 hour days before. I don't do that because of tilt. I think once that it becomes unenjoyable you should give it a break. I don't think most people play that long unless they are playing to pay bills or something.

I noticed that poker takes a lot of free time for personal life is not enough.

Hello! How much time should be spent per week on poker so that it is useful for the game?

Originally Posted by goodgaffer

Hello! How much time should be spent per week on poker so that it is useful for the game?

Very much depends on how much free time you have to dedicate to poker. No point investing 30 hours a week if 20 of those hours your thinking about other things you need to get done. split the time you have available for poker between 75% playing 25% studying.

Originally Posted by goodgaffer

Hello! How much time should be spent per week on poker so that it is useful for the game?

Howdy:0) because I am trying to make my poker playing a legit part time income I play 50 to 60 hours a week at times but after reading and chatting with others I need breaks here and there:0)

Originally Posted by david1bear

Howdy:0) because I am trying to make my poker playing a legit part time income I play 50 to 60 hours a week at times but after reading and chatting with others I need breaks here and there:0)

Yeah thats a lot of time playing for a part time income and a lot of play to analyze each week. Saying that wish ihad 60 hours free to play each week.

Originally Posted by 5pAce_C0wb0y

Yeah thats a lot of time playing for a part time income and a lot of play to analyze each week. Saying that wish ihad 60 hours free to play each week.

it has gotten rough at times but I have been working on my game and been playing more then usual:0) since here lately have toned down a couple hours here and there:0)

Play as much as you like, it can only be too much poker if it starts to negitively effect other parts of your life.

If you are doing it as a way to make money, and you are profitable, then the more you play the more you make. You will need to take some time off at some point tho and enjoy your winnings

I only play a few hours a week. I play for relaxation and don't have time to play much more.

To much poker only comes when it interferes with other aspects of life. Around 10 years back I played as a hobby but let it consume me. I was playing online much of my free time and neglecting my wife and child. I had to take a step back and now only play when time permits. You just have to balance time wisley.

I guess when you don't enjoy it anymore! Otherwise it's always fun and games

I think i may be at that point you were 10 yrs ago.. I don't think there has been a day that has gone by that i can remember in the past year were i haven't played a game of poker.. whether it be online or live cash.. I think i need to take a step back.

I find reading the posts on this forum brings a lot of things in perspective that you know are there.. we just don't acknowledge them unless we notice other people experiencing the same thing.

Originally Posted by jre1106

To much poker only comes when it interferes with other aspects of life. Around 10 years back I played as a hobby but let it consume me. I was playing online much of my free time and neglecting my wife and child. I had to take a step back and now only play when time permits. You just have to balance time wisley.

LOL I remember playing online an becoming so tired after hours and hours but its just so much fun!!!

Originally Posted by TeUnit

Its to much poker if it hurts your health or relationships.

This is where I’m at. When I first started playing for next to nothing, my wife hated all the time I spent. When I started making money from it, she saw all that grinding was meant for something. I remember she would get irritated if I was playing video games instead of tourneys on the weekends. The first year it paid for our kids Christmas, everything changed.

everyone has his own measure. If you get pleasure from the game with this schedule and you get $ 1000- $ 2000 per month to a bank account, then most likely its normal. =)
If you dont make money on this, then you need to change something.

I know the feeling. I played like that religiously even added booze. It was just to get a job. All the material things fell into place. You just need to tip off the right people. They not going to give you more money then you need. They don't get to go out much either.

if your main goal is poker, and not real life, then it's time for you to take a break, bro. This is more important than the game.

I do not know exactly "how much poker is too much", but I do have an idea of how much is enough. Actually it's quite simple, when your responsibilities are diminished or you forget important things to dedicate yourself to an activity (be it poker or any other), then you've had enough.

Originally Posted by david1bear

I find myself at times losing tournament after tournament then winning one here and there before I know it day has turned to early morning:0) Five hours of sleep and I am back at it again maybe three to four days at a time:0) Is this normal:0)

Too much poker is when you start to play too lose,and when you couth yourself when you dont play your A game.Everybody have downswing too so dont be upset,just play good and you start winning again.

Originally Posted by Zikasamaster

Too much poker is when you start to play too lose,and when you couth yourself when you dont play your A game.Everybody have downswing too so dont be upset,just play good and you start winning again.

Thanks man and good luck out there

I guess you should get a rest of poker cause if you say you are sleeping just five hours that is not normal and I could bring consequences for your body and your mental health so get a rest and don't worry have fun on the poker table if you study and practice and you have fun you will probably win I think that is the key to be better at poker. If you think you are not playing your best game just forget poker a couple of days and spend time with family or friend do what you really want to do and then when you play poker again you will probably play better and you are gonna feel everything is going well.

try to play 4 hours at day, don`t try to play many table at the same time and don`t forget get a rest even the the best players in the world need it.

I'd recommend setting a stable schedule, max 8 hours a day. Either you bust out of your regular buy-ins or you hit that 8 hour time limit. Don't double down because of tilt especially when you're tired and already not feeling hot.

If you have to ask that question - you are playing too much.

And 5 hours of sleep is not enough.

Originally Posted by juninhigh

Man even the greatest poker players have loosing streak, i think the best to do is analyse you played and try to adapt some plays, download poker tracker (analysis) or universal replayer (watch the how you played all along) the best way to get better is learning from your mistakes. And i know it`s hard but when you loose don`t start with "i will play till i recovery" you will get broke, have discipline to control your bankroll.

I definitely agree as I have gone that road. If you really love poker, you gotta love to play as much as you love to learn it, your mistakes, your opponents. Sitting at a table and constantly play is only half part of the game.

Too much is when You say that it is too much

Yes I did have a bankroll, jumping from one tournament to another, I think this is not normal ) it is Normal to grindal on Saturdays and ride Sundays, and everything else is probably game Cache on the limits of the Bankroll and the SNG with the Spins. Thank you!

You need to be well prepared both physically and psychologically, because you will face different rivals in style of play.
You can play well throughout the tournament, but lose the final. And sometimes, you lose, just because it's not destiny.

Quite simply it is necessary to strike a balance. Again, in a good situation MTT tournament lasts around 9 hours, after, it is necessary to have a rest at least a day.

I find it can keep me up late sometimes. Everything in moderation is my rule, as fun as it can be playing poker, you need balance..

Like sleeping time, each person has their own. Playing a lot is very good for improving your game, no doubt about it, but if you play too much, the quality of your decisions fades away. The problem is that we tend to overlook this. The reason says to stop, but the emotions and the desire to get even says, strongly, to continue. You must be very careful.

It is probably quite unhealthy for the mind and body to sit and play poker for long hours like that. Possibly it leads to high blood pressure or depression. Just sayin

Originally Posted by david1bear

I find myself at times losing tournament after tournament then winning one here and there before I know it day has turned to early morning:0) Five hours of sleep and I am back at it again maybe three to four days at a time:0) Is this normal:0)

I bluff sometimes. But on the microlimits where I play, in most cases the bluff does not give a good result and very often people continue to fight for the bank. It's all about the limit of the game =)
But in sit n go games of $ 1-5, bluff brings a positive result much more often. Although it’s worth bluffing wisely.

Originally Posted by SubZero111

It is probably quite unhealthy for the mind and body to sit and play poker for long hours like that. Possibly it leads to high blood pressure or depression. Just sayin

i have learned to give the game a couple days rest at a time:0) and thank god i am not one who can sit still for to long. thanks for the careing and sharing:0)

You sound like my subconscious speaking.

If you are playing for your livelihood, the answer is never too much.