Do you play 20+ hours/week? If so, we'd love to know this...

Paul SALTER

Hey RCPers.

I'm passionate about the development of habits and self-optimization and would love to hear specifically from those who play part or full-time (20+ hours per week) what daily habits you execute to prime yourself to play your best poker.

I look forward to hearing from you all!

PJS

Jordan Power

Hi @Paul SALTER - As someone also focused on developing good habits for self-improvement (in poker and otherwise), I think this is a great question. I am averaging about 30 hours a week on the felt although I am not playing for a living.

I follow a daily routine that I think helps me play better poker which includes:

1. A good night's sleep - if I've slept poorly, I'm almost always going to skip the card room and use that time for study instead.

2. Exercise - Even if it is just a long brisk walk, I always do something to get the heart rate up a bit. I try to get in the gym for 45 - 60 minutes with a mix of cardio and lifting but that's not always possible.

3. Meditation - I meditate for 5-7 minutes at some point in the day before playing poker, typically right before I head out for the casino. As someone who deals with bouts of acute anxiety (although oddly never at the poker table), I find brief meditation a wonderful way to calm and center myself.

4. Healthy Diet - On days I am playing, I try to eat as clean as possible. Minimal carbs, lots of clean protein and good fats. Some days I try to eat vegetarian and I try to coincide this with my sessions because I just feel "lighter" if that makes any sense when I don't have a ton of animal protein.

5. Hydration - I make sure I am hydrated before every session. I start drinking water when I get up and make sure I drink consistently throughout the day.

6. Personal Checklist - Lastly, before I go to the casino, I have a personal checklist of some questions I just run through mentally to make sure I am in a good mindset to play. These include questions causing myself to be intentional about whether I did the above but also include whether I "want" to play or not and if there is anything maybe I am putting off that is in the back of my mind.

This is my process. I'm really interested to get your feedback and to see what others think.

MrFuss

Jordan Power wrote: »

3. Meditation - I meditate for 5-7 minutes at some point in the day before playing poker, typically right before I head out for the casino. As someone who deals with bouts of acute anxiety (although oddly never at the poker table), I find brief meditation a wonderful way to calm and center myself.

Have you considered waiting to meditate until you're in the parking lot? Not sure how long the commute is but this may slightly +EV compared to meditating before you leave. You could listen to a strategy podcast or audio book en route and then meditate right before you enter the casino allowing your brain to digest the info you just consumed.

Jordan Power

I live 7 minutes from the casino which is nice, but sometimes I do leave it for in the parking garage :)

MrFuss

Oh wow. Thats either a blessing or a curse lol.

Very nice routine overall btw.

Paul SALTER

@Jordan Power it's as if everything I wanted out of this thread was supplied by your singular post. This is fantastic and eerily similar to mine, which I'll share below.

Curious - are you an avid reader (physical or audiobook), too?

Context: I am a Registered Dietitian and work for myself providing 1:1 Nutrition Coaching and education via books, courses, blogs, my podcast, and YouTube channel.

I'm looking to increase my felt time to 20 - 25 hours/week in September before an 8-week European trip that will significantly limit my time (in a good way) before then resuming this weekly duration, and, perhaps increasing to between 30 - 35.

EXERCISE: I have a strong background here and am very active but on days I play it's mandatory that I get a strong cardio session in (specifically not a lifting) as the benefits I derive from this are slightly different and put me in a better headspace at the table.

HYDRATION: I am drinking all day long even at the table and am the guy who asks for 2 - 3 bottles each time a server comes by. Frequent pee breaks help me move often - which is good for my brain, play, and back.

NUTRITION: I am sure my profession gives away that I eat well but I specifically focus on a pre-poker meal of lean protein, ample veggies, fruit, and oatmeal - it's my go-to and pre-play ritual.

SLEEP: I couldn't agree more with what you said - if I sleep like crap I'll reschedule a day of play.

MORNING ROUTINE: I prioritize my morning routine over everything and am constantly tweaking as I come across new approaches but right now it looks like this:

Rise at 5:00 AM
20:00 workout
20:00 meditation and visualization
20:00 reading/course study

Shower --> bulletproof coffee --> goals, affirmation, visualization ... typically followed by me working 4 - 5 hours (this is my sweet spot for productivity during the day)

PRE-PLAY: I like to grab a coffee right near the casino (#Dunkin) and sip and enjoy for 10 - 15 minutes at the place I grab it and use this time to get in the right headspace, e.g., review notes, visualize my play for the day.

I'll then meditate in my car before heading in but also practice frequent very-deep breathing at the table to remain focused and collected.

Thanks for sharing! I look forward to further discussing.

Also - where are you located/playing?

PJS

Paul SALTER

MrFuss wrote: »

Jordan Power wrote: »

3. Meditation - I meditate for 5-7 minutes at some point in the day before playing poker, typically right before I head out for the casino. As someone who deals with bouts of acute anxiety (although oddly never at the poker table), I find brief meditation a wonderful way to calm and center myself.

Have you considered waiting to meditate until you're in the parking lot? Not sure how long the commute is but this may slightly +EV compared to meditating before you leave. You could listen to a strategy podcast or audio book en route and then meditate right before you enter the casino allowing your brain to digest the info you just consumed.

Depending where I am playing (I move a lot, ha, so my commute differs), I love a RCP podcast or another on the way to the casino before meditating in the parking lot!

kenaces

I do my own variations of what Jordan mentioned. I also take an afternoon nap and take some notes post-session on most days. I also think it is useful to have one day per week with zero poker playing/thinking/studying.

Paul SALTER

kenaces wrote: »

I do my own variations of what Jordan mentioned. I also take an afternoon nap and take some notes post-session on most days. I also think it is useful to have one day per week with zero poker playing/thinking/studying.

I like to focus on 1 - 2 non-poker study/play days, too. And I like the idea of mandating post-play time to recap. I will be adding this to my routine. Thanks!

RCP Coach - Fausto Valdez

@Paul SALTER ...ill see how i feel mentally and energy wise, if i need, I will try to have some cardio workout to get my heart calm for big moments later on

I mediate daily to have a clear calm space of mind and will review my notes of focus before heading into a session. Other than this ill try to make sure i have a good starting meal so it doesn't drastically drop/affect my energy and mood later on in the day.