What helps you prepare to play your A-game?

[chicbulls2]

couple of glasses of vine cant hurt

 

[Rumengh]

Of course, in order for a person to play A game purvo, he must have rested. I always get a good night's sleep before a tournament or cash game although in cash games when I make even one mistake in my opinion I can leave the game at any time. Also, before a long tournament I play sudoku chess and solve logic problems. When the tournament lasts a long time, I drink energy drinks and coffee. I spend my breaks in the fresh air.

 

[Anna Brito]

I prepare myself mentally if everything is not calm at home my game sucks I need concentration, without popcorn, snacks and music in any situation I need peace

 

[kanogott]

I think there are some physical and some psychological aspects. At first the physical things. I tried to have enough sleep, especially if there is a possible long grind deep in the night. I could start only after the evening diner, so if i play a mtt with thousands of people, a deeprun could go until 5 or 6 in the morning. And if im tired at this most important stage of the tourney the bad decisions are increasing very high. And thats costs alot of money and value. Deepruns are very rar, so if you had those games, its so important to play your best game. Also psychological issues are important. if iam tilt, bad decisions are higher.

 

[dreamer13]

Don’t be a “Hero” in poker, don’t lose your spirit in the downswing, and your head in the upswing, and develop the habit of working and playing a lot.Sleep and eat before the game.

 

[andron205]

the most important thing here is a good night's sleep

 

[Magallaneroy]

Have a good rest and visualize the final table if I'm playing a tournament.

 

[MrPokerVerse]

Well rested and stress free helps me the most. Lots of water and good meal few hours works as well.

 

[lcid86]

Follow the HALT rule. Don't play if hungry, angry lonely or tired. Also, the fewer distractions the better!

 

[ninocabral]

Before playing I always like to review a poker hand beforehand, I also like to prepare something to eat during breaks and that makes a big difference for me

 

[ToNy70929]

What helps me is the potential opportunity to win good money. For this, comfort, silence in the house, good health and a full stomach

 

[MF.Brn]

I like to lock myself in my room, without worrying about anything, I listen to music, and I start playing, basically that's what I do, I eat something first and go to the bathroom, then it's just a game.

 

[TulasMoreno]

The only answer i find is to learn learn and learn! Thats all.

 

[ADRI7HO]

Part of my preparation for poker is making coffee and packing some snacks.
Before that, I like to do something else, read, watch a movie, to refresh myself a bit, then the grind comes.

 

[ficticius]

Every day I give myself some mental relaxation for half an hour. That helps me a lot in my poker sessions

 

[rhoudini]

The main aspect for me to play my best is to avoid all distractions. Having a clean mind and no preoccupations about anything is good. Also, avoiding noise or people in the same room. It is necessary to have total focus when playing.
On the personal side, I also like to dress up to play, not simply start playing in any time. So I take a shower, I wear a comfortable shirt that I like.
It is also good to have your meals prepared if you are going to take long sessions, so you don't starve when playing.
And of course, lots and lots of water always available.

 

[black and]

How do you prepare for a poker session ? This could be physical or mental preparation, or organizing snacks or music. Does it differ for you when it's a cash game vs and tournament? Or an online game vs. live?

What helps you prepare to play your A-game?

I play poker in the evenings after work. My preparation consists of the following stages. I come home, shower, eat, make myself some coffee, make some sandwiches, .... and voila, I'm ready and armed

 

[Dasha_21]

The main thing is that I don't get nervous and everything will be ok

 

[Goggelheimer]

To be rested well (enough sleep),
a calmed mood,
good focus on the game,
enough to drink (water),
calm gentle music,
confidence that was not broken through daily struggles.
And many more, perhaps small and tiny things that have not that big effect but all work together to have an A-Game setup.
Not all are scientifically based.

 

[Suns of Beaches]

Vaping a bit of weed.

Its especially helpfull for me to not get bored and play my C, D, E or F-Game when i dont have too many tables or even only 1 table open.

With a lot of tables its more counterproductive because i start miss actions of other players 😅 and sometimes i do stupid s**it while being high. Like overbet bluffing callstations or other creative bs 😆

(if u are not a seasoned weed consumer then its not recommend while playing. U will LOOSE)

 

[Ataman911]

I like to play to music, it helps me a lot👍

 

[s0ftdumps]

Before sitting down for poker, make sure to take care of any business that needs to be taken cared off so there will be no disruptions during the game. Clear the mind of worries then reg online or live, ready to play.

For live tournaments, I sit on the table 10-15 minutes before tourney start & quietly meditate to refocus my mind on tourney strat as I believe my default game is cash game. Recalibrate those fold, call, & raise ranges. Ready to play.

Taking care of any lingering tasks beforehand helps ensure your focus remains solely on the game at hand, minimizing potential distractions. And your approach to live tournaments, taking a few moments to center yourself and recalibrate your strategies, shows a commitment to adaptability and maximizing your chances of success in different formats.

 

[amitmanchanda]

A break of week from poker.

 

[Ogma]

If it's an important game and I haven't played for a while, I'll warm up with some low stakes poker first.

 

[steve01991]

usually i have breakfast first, listen to some music that calms me, then i attach the game!