Pre-Game Warm Ups in Poker

[Daniel72]

"The match begins before the match begins." (Brad Gilbert)
　
How about "pre-game warm-ups" in poker ?
　
I believe that poker is a competition like any other sport.
Here are some ways to get your body and mind charged up and in shape before you sit down and play:
　
- go over some hand histories with a replayer
- visualisation: go over different poker situations in your head (mental preparation)
- watch motivational videos or interviews
- play some computer games that combine hand-eye coordination and strategy
- make some exercises, stretch, walk, lift weights or go for a jog prior to playing
- watch a little part of a training video
　
Any further ideas ?
　

 

[PlayerPlayerAA]

Good ideas, I keep it simple though, crack a cold one and force myself to fart a few times, then I'm ready to go :beerglass

 

[jmill]

you forgot play rocky theme music

 

[inosomething1]

PREPARED

I should really do some of those things. I know for me if i sit down to a sit n go when i am stressed after a day at work-I am not ready to play my best poker.

 

[pokerman27]

you forgot play rocky theme music

+1

 

[cdidit622]

I try to just clear my mind as I approach the game, If its a house game on the way there ( In the vehicle, I would listen to some music that I like) , also I would try to prep myself to avoid any mistakes I made before. Also If I know the players I review my metal notes that I take on all players. For online play I would just clear the room I choose to play in and also listen to some music.

 

[Trimming1]

Clearing your mind

That`s what I do prior to a tournement is clear out of your head of the stuff that you`ve been dragging along with you up to that moment. It is a simple proceedure to simply do some deep breathing and some mental g ymnastics of thinking on nothing.Sound crazy but it works. Prepare yourself for the battle ahead and focus! focus! focus!. A positive mental state will help you as your approch it as well. OOOOOOMMMMMM...........OOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM..........OOOOOOOMMMMM.. SEE your almost ready now. A calm mind is a clear mind. Clear minds make better judgement calls. And better judgement calls get us ITM! Good luck to all on and off the felts. Sincerly {the trimmer}

 

[inosomething1]

OOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!
I like that. no sh@#@#t.
i'm sure its a good idea to clear out all the stuff in yr head.
love this forum. I can relate.

 

[piedmontred]

Watch Rounders and remind myself of any leaks.

 

[robert_wrath]

You might want to add Sufficient Hibernation to this list as well. I've come to realize that Sleep Depervation does take its toll upon ones level of thinking.

 

[Sixes Full]

Play a few games of solitaire so I can can get used to the card graphics.

 

[Oil_Fan]

I do believe this is important. I know that when I'm not paying complete attention, I do poorly. Like last night's horrid play. On Sunday I was totally focused and did quite well.

 

[x2486]

I follow water boat's suggestion and play a few freerolls first. 5-6 hours later I'm in the zone!

 

[Grinderinoz]

First thing i do before playing a few hours of poker...... deposit

 

[Daniel72]

I think freerolls are a BAD way to warm up for the session. Take too long, low game quality, and you´re tired instead of focused.
The music (Rocky) and solitaire suggestions are great - thanks !

 

[x2486]

I think freerolls are a BAD way to warm up for the session.

Yeah, the smiley was supposed to indicate that I was joking. I also thought the water boat reference would be a clue. If you're not familiar, his videos are pretty funny: YouTube - Water Boat Poker Strategy Video: Changing Gears and Winning SNGs (#30)

But seriously, it's not a warmup, but I like having a dvr'ed episode from the wsop playing in the background when I play.

 

[Mr Whatever]

play a few hands (1/2 hr session) at a lower level to see if i have the patience to deal with ppl and to see if im in the "mood" to play. if im making moves (regardless of the outcome) that i usually wouldnt do then im not right to play.

on a side note, i think lifting weights and exercising for poker is nonsense and i like to deadlift 4 -5 plates for fun. the greatest players of all time were in disgusting shape (from all the smoking going on at casinos yrs ago or were just butterballs)and still won big. it doesnt take a lot to push chips around.

 

[Boston1993]

Pre-game warm ups.

"The match begins before the match begins." (Brad Gilbert)
　
How about "pre-game warm-ups" in poker ?
　
I believe that poker is a competition like any other sport.
Here are some ways to get your body and mind charged up and in shape before you sit down and play:
　
- go over some hand histories with a replayer
- visualisation: go over different poker situations in your head (mental preparation)
- watch motivational videos or interviews
- play some computer games that combine hand-eye coordination and strategy
- make some exercises, stretch, walk, lift weights or go for a jog prior to playing
- watch a little part of a training video
　
Any further ideas ?
　

Daniel,
You bring up some good points. I have never really given them any thought. Just play, lose, watch the late show, go to bed mad and do it again tomorrow. Not a good idea, huh ? In all reality though, I usually play a few play money hands to get into a routine and don't win many of those either. Your points are well made and thanks for the information.