How do you handle stress during the game?

[istbno]

Handling stress during a poker game requires a combination of mental preparation, focus, and emotional control. Start by practicing mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation to stay calm and centered before and during the game. Maintain realistic expectations and accept that variance is a natural part of poker, which reduces emotional swings. Focus on making optimal decisions rather than obsessing over results, as this mindset helps to detach emotions from outcomes. Taking short breaks can refresh your mind and prevent tilt, while staying hydrated and avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol ensures better focus. Practice bankroll management to avoid playing with money you can’t afford to lose, reducing financial stress. Review your hands after each session to learn from mistakes rather than dwelling on losses. Surround yourself with supportive peers who understand the game and can provide advice or encouragement when needed. Lastly, develop a pre-game routine to put yourself in the right mindset and stay disciplined throughout the session.

 

[Skot_Gy]

I usually start playing only when i have a general mood of calm and focus, when i am rested etc.
So, getting nervous is less probale in rhis state.
However, it can happen sometimes ...

 

[anasslaaleg]

Accepting failure and learning from it​

Stress is often linked to the fear of failure. Accept that failure is part of the learning process, especially in strategy or competitive games. Failure is not final; it is an opportunity to analyze your mistakes, improve, and come back stronger.​

 

[pavel1111111]

I pass this stage ...i never get stresa out when i play now 😆

 

[krinun]

I always do something on the 5 minute break. It's just enough time to get outside for air and run the dog around the block.

 

[Rachidao]

It's easy, I don't 😁

 

[Dejana]

I don't have it - I'm playing just for fun - if it cause you to get stressed out, then it's not fun...

 

[steve01991]

i listen to soft music, it helps so much!

 

[kecoakbogor]

watching movie

 

[SPANKYSN]

Don't really get stressed out...sure, I'll get pissed at making a bad play, or worse, chickening out on what should have been the right play, but I do not get stressed out.

 

[BrunoFabri01]

I stop for a while, to breathe, drink something, wash my face...

 

[Leandro6803]

This is very necessary especially when there is a bad beat, it is a way of relieving momentary stress.

 

[recerveau]

At first it was quite complicated, but after a long time playing and studying it became easier to deal with the nervousness.

 

[R.Holynskyi]

I often find it helpful to meditate or do breathing exercises to stay calm and focused. Or take a break if necessary. That works a lot for me to stay calm and play at my best. I read opinions, it doesn't have to be about poker either, a bit of everything. What strategy do you use?

I don't feel stressed while playing. I play only with the money I can afford to spend, I follow bankroll management, so the game is quite safe for me, without extreme risks. Sometimes I have bad days, and on those days I just take a break. In general, poker is a hobby for me and I don't take any losses or defeats too seriously.

 

[Rmi]

I try to think calmly. Music and a cigarette help

 

[888NOX888]

Probably the best way for me to avoid stress in poker lately is to take breaks from the game.

 

[dienesantosc]

I'm also learning not to stress in poker, especially when I have a good hand and a player who doesn't play correctly ends up winning due to luck and not skill. I'm changing some game tactics to understand what's the best way to do well until the end of the game. I realized that stress ends up making our mind not think well during the game and end up making wrong decisions. I noticed mainly that when I play with a lot of patience, I have emotional control, I can go well until the end and still enter the prizes.

 

[shanest]

take a break.

spend a day with your family and remember what is really important

 

[martDdart]

I follow my gameplan, it helps me stay focused and stress is not a part of the gameplan.

 

[WrongUsername]

if u simply don´t play u wil l have no stress really simple plan.

 

[besttest11]

Music and movie

 

[Cooking]

I take a break from poker, even if it's only for that day. There are days I know I'm not going to win no matter how well I play, so, on these days I just try to quit as fast as I can.

 

[Delenia]

Poker used to stress me, but it just doesn't anymore. I play lower stakes and don't take it so seriously now.

 

[Sparta77]

I learned to stay calm. If not good cards come or lose, just have one

 

[Spielkind]

When you have Stress before a Game starts---sleep enough, eat vegetables no calories--and think a day before your gamestructure