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Preparing Yourself To Play Well...


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I am just curious as to the different steps/routines my fellow FCP'ers take to prepare for a solid session online. Recently I began doing yoga at home in addition to my regular exercise and have found that doing yoga prior to playing online has increased my focus, energy and thought process immensely. It puts me in a very calm, relaxed state and even the worst bad beats truly don't phase me after doing yoga. I have a greater sense of the "big picture" and played much more fluid when in this state. Every bet, raise or fold has meaning behind it and I concentrate more on the other players and their actions.With that being said I would like to know what others do to prepare themselves mentally and physically for a good online session. Also, if you haven't tried yoga and are looking for a relaxing way to get fit give it a shot.JoeyFinngars

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turn on the tv, and make sure some one is online so i can be a baby and cry about bad beats, even though i am playing like dog crap.but i guess the only thing i do is listen to music to keep me in the "zone"

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turn on the tv, and make sure some one is online so i can be a baby and cry about bad beats, even though i am playing like dog crap.but i guess the only thing i do is listen to music to keep me in the "zone"
What do you listen to?I find that 90's hiphop helps me stay focused for some reason.
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What do you listen to?I find that 90's hiphop helps me stay focused for some reason.
Mostly hip hop, I try to stay away from rock, iIseem to not play as well when listening to it. Maybe it's just in my head. Although two rock bands I will listen to are Pearl Jam and Audio Slave.
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Mostly hip hop, I try to stay away from rock, iIseem to not play as well when listening to it. Maybe it's just in my head. Although two rock bands I will listen to are Pearl Jam and Audio Slave.
Not to jump off topic but....Did you hear Sound Garden is getting back together.
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Not to jump off topic but....Did you hear Sound Garden is getting back together.
I hope this turns out wellTo stay off topic...the pic of Stuey in your sig is really sweet. Back on topic....I usually like to watch an episode of something I've already seen but, haven't seen in a while. So I don't have to keep rewinding stuff cause I missed it but am still genuinely interested. (Ex: House, or Seinfeld....)This week I have been DVR'ing old Las Vegas episodes cause they run like 3 everyday on TNT or something like that. Back off topic...I really wish ole Ed Deline would come back and they would start that show up again. It obviously wasn't spectacular but it is definitely better than a lot of the crap that is running now....
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I do hot yoga once a week. Not for poker. just because Its good. chicks are also hot.when i did play poker fulltime, i used to get in the zone by getting in my seat (live) or seats (online) then sitting out the first hand to get my tea (or coffee) ready, take a sip. look at chip stacks, and then begin.It becomes a job. I think yoga and doing things for your health are always beneficial. regardless of your career.

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I must first discipline myself to spend more time becoming healthy...That being said, yoga is a great idea and combo it with swimming/running would probably be a solid combo.Imaginary schedule:Monday - light swim (30 mins...you'd be surprised how much exercise this is...)Tuesday - Yoga class (about an hour)Wednesday - light run (30-40 mins)Thursday - light swim (30 mins)Friday - restSaturday - Yoga (at least an hour), perhaps a light swimSunday - some home yogaThing is...you can also do enough stretching, etc, before your swims and runs, mix and match the sched to the weather and get a little extra in that way.I think your grocery bill will go up, however.

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I have meditated before sessions, and I try to do it as much as I can. I really think it helps you clear your mind and focus while in your session. I usually go over some things that I want to focus on during that session and I always focus on making the best decision no matter what and only focusing on decisions not results.Im a meditation newb, but I think for poker its really a great thing to help keep control of your emotions and think clearly.

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listen to music that puts me in a good mood, weed helps me focus alot too. i just got a gym pass so im going to start working out in the mornings before i start my session.when i play by myself online im ALWAYS listening to music that keeps me happy tho. tilt relief ftw.

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i run between 3-4 miles daily which keeps my mental and physical state in good shape for grinding. try to keep a normal routine and that will help you also.

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I hope this turns out wellTo stay off topic...the pic of Stuey in your sig is really sweet. Back on topic....I usually like to watch an episode of something I've already seen but, haven't seen in a while. So I don't have to keep rewinding stuff cause I missed it but am still genuinely interested. (Ex: House, or Seinfeld....)This week I have been DVR'ing old Las Vegas episodes cause they run like 3 everyday on TNT or something like that. Back off topic...I really wish ole Ed Deline would come back and they would start that show up again. It obviously wasn't spectacular but it is definitely better than a lot of the crap that is running now....
I really like my sig pic. It's cool looking at all the faces on those 2 tables and realizing that half are well known pros in the hall of fame.
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Off the subject: I'm new at this forum stuff; your sig pic is great though, it shows an appreciation for the history of the game. On the subject: balance, balance, balance. I need my rest, a good day of work, healthy foods and exercise. Chuckle, 3000 calorie meals before I sit down to play a tourney don't work for me! Good luck.

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I ordered a mat and a this beginning video after new years. Anyone have any suggestions for a 30 year old who's not in great shape, as I progress? Looking for DVDs until I feel confident enough with it. I keep having flashbacks of Johnny Knoxville doing yoga on jackass.

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I ordered a mat and a this beginning video after new years. Anyone have any suggestions for a 30 year old who's not in great shape, as I progress? Looking for DVDs until I feel confident enough with it. I keep having flashbacks of Johnny Knoxville doing yoga on jackass.
Just take it slow and don't force yourself to much. Make sure you are getting a good sweat and can feel the muscles burning but don't strain yourself doing it, it's OK to take quick breaks during.
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Upbeat music (hip hop, drum and bass, electro, etc.) whilst grinding SNGs keeps me flowing so much better. I can almost double my volume when there are tunes blaring out, but without music I get bogged down and tend to time out playing anything more than 15 tables. I think the beat keeps me plugging through decisions and stops me overthinking them. I suspect yoga wouldn't work for me, because I do better at poker when I'm the very opposite of chilled out!The biggest and best prep though - not thinking about poker in terms of monetary gain/loss. I did this for a while, played like crap and got ridiculously stressed out by the game. I just go into each session with the goal of playing as well as possible these days and it seems to have settled my results and consistency considerably.

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I prefer the post session j/o. relieves alot of stress.
Let's assess the three different times we can do this:Before a session: Depending on the time of day and how good the porn is, could make you tired for your poker session.After session: Does not really affect your session, other than you thinking of jerking at the end of your session. Now, my personal favorite time.During your session: Preferably do this online. Good way to not feel the bad beats, gets you to not play too many hands (pun intended), and a good way to stay relaxed while playing.And yes, I just disected (sp?) when to watch porn.Thank you, and have a good night.
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