D
DS3
Legend
Loyaler
A post the other day queried the length of playing sessions. Interesting question that drew interesting answers. However, I’d like to drill a little deeper.
How long can youplay your ‘A Game’ within a given session?
Some months ago I was able to play longish sessions day after day and I extended my regular play to around 8 to 9 hours with fairly minimal breaks. The quality of my play did not strike much as it was in a practice environment and I was winning in that context.
However, a few weeks ago I was listening to Olivier Busquets new podcast and one issue he spoke about (many interesting reveals) was though he is in his 30’s and very fit, he does not like pushing a poker session more than 3 hours. He feels the qulaity of his play falls off. So he has a morning session, then breaks for several hours and exercises, attends to other items, then returns for another evening session depending on mood, feel etc. The second session is limited also.
It sounded weak to me when I first heard the detail of his play. But, it kept niggling me as I played and became more aware playing a long session was one thing, playing my ‘A Game’ another.
Ironically, I have come to realize that I can keep very focused for approximately the same time, three hours, but then can struggle mightily on some days to concentrate longer - sleep, food, mental game etc. all factor in.
Obviously there are days and tournaments where we desire/need to play longer hours however, becoming aware of when I am dragging and making sub-optimal decisions has quickly become something of an eye opener to me. Kidding myself I can endure endless hours at the table was flawed and I hope the revelation leads to future improvements in the decision making process.
So, to the members, how long do you feel you can maintain very good focus and play your‘A Game’ within a session?
How long can youplay your ‘A Game’ within a given session?
Some months ago I was able to play longish sessions day after day and I extended my regular play to around 8 to 9 hours with fairly minimal breaks. The quality of my play did not strike much as it was in a practice environment and I was winning in that context.
However, a few weeks ago I was listening to Olivier Busquets new podcast and one issue he spoke about (many interesting reveals) was though he is in his 30’s and very fit, he does not like pushing a poker session more than 3 hours. He feels the qulaity of his play falls off. So he has a morning session, then breaks for several hours and exercises, attends to other items, then returns for another evening session depending on mood, feel etc. The second session is limited also.
It sounded weak to me when I first heard the detail of his play. But, it kept niggling me as I played and became more aware playing a long session was one thing, playing my ‘A Game’ another.
Ironically, I have come to realize that I can keep very focused for approximately the same time, three hours, but then can struggle mightily on some days to concentrate longer - sleep, food, mental game etc. all factor in.
Obviously there are days and tournaments where we desire/need to play longer hours however, becoming aware of when I am dragging and making sub-optimal decisions has quickly become something of an eye opener to me. Kidding myself I can endure endless hours at the table was flawed and I hope the revelation leads to future improvements in the decision making process.
So, to the members, how long do you feel you can maintain very good focus and play your‘A Game’ within a session?