Poker Athletes
Most elite athletes will take every aspect into account when they are optimizing their performance. Their training, their diet, even their rest are closely observed and calculated to make sure that when it’s time to perform they’re at their best. I won’t go so far as to suggest that poker is a sport in the traditional sense, but I will tell you that approaching the game like an athlete will help you become a better poker player.
Think about it-how well do you think after you’ve pounded a few beers? If you’re stuffed full of hot wings and your guts are flip-flopping, can you concentrate on your cards? Have you ever tried to calculate pot odds vs. actual odds when you’ve been up all night? Trust me, it’s hard to make a good read when you’re fighting off a hangover.
There are so many things to consider when you’re playing online poker-calculating odds, figuring out your opponents tendencies, reading the other players, managing your stack among other things, that if you’re not at functioning at your peak, you’re at a disadvantage. Take a moment to evaluate your state when you’re going to play poker, and see if you can honestly say that you’re at your best.
Drinking too much, not getting enough sleep and eating foods that make you feel sluggish are both ways to distract yourself at the poker table. Vegetables will keep you sharper than pizza will, and water or diet soda won’t mess with your judgment like beer will. Take a note from the jocks and take care of yourself-your bankroll with thank you.
