Poker Routine

[Rushmore]

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I think it's very reasonable. For some reason I just couldn't go on when you phrased your situation with two variables and only attempted to causally link one of them. I've read your posts before and I was quite sure you were assessing your games correctly, but the old scientific method just wouldn't let go. And you never know, sometimes answers hide in unexpected places that were realistically overlooked.

So moving on, have you been able to determine what it is that is different about your game when you don't go through your routine? Are you impatient, overly aggressive, your judgement on opponents' thinking is off, etc.? I'm just wondering if you can isolate it or if it's just a general malaise.

Also, I would be lead to wonder if there was some component of your routine which was responsible for your good starts or if it was simply having one. If your routine was simply to jump into a game, would you adjust over time or is it actually something about what you're doing? Then maybe you could find an optimal routine if you could isolate the factors that got you in the zone on average.

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This is a good post, and definitely what I was looking for.

I think that a big thing is exercising. I honestly believe that some aerobic workout--even brief--is especially valuable for getting my brain operating properly (assuming it EVER does).

Also, I think you may be right--I might be a little less patient if I just jump in, as if maybe it's floating around in my head that I want to just jump out to a solid start for the day, sort of like just getting some pots under my belt before the "real action" starts for the day.

Lastly, I imagine you're also right that just the FACT of a routine helps, for whatever reason.

I like it. Good stuff.

[Rushmore]

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I think going through your routine is a valid concern, I think it helps you to approach your session with more seriousness and as if it were a real job. Can you imagine a job where you could peform optimaly after just rolling out of the bed?

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I have tried to imagine it pretty often; I think that's been a problem.

Ultimately, I think there's a lot of validity to the idea that you take things more seriously when you, uh, take them more seriously, if you see my point.

Maybe I should install a time clock on my desk, maybe start wearing suits.

Or just make sure and stick to the routine that works.

[Wally Weeks]

FWIW, I have the same psychological effect when I don't do my usual morning rituals. When I get up, I usually take a shower, shave, have a cup of coffee, etc.

The word that best describes my feeling throughout the day if I skip my normal routine is "funky". I seem to notice it more when I don't have my morning cup of coffee. No ritual or caffine makes for a grumpy morning. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

The way that I look at it: why rush it? There game will still be there in 30 minutes. (It's probably also the reason why I always run late to everything.)

Regards,
Wally

P.S. Why is this post in this forum? It sounds like the psychology forum would be more appropriate, but I'm no forum Nazi...

[Dan Mezick]

This is a super post. One of the things rituals do is get you, step by step, to a certain state of mind. Anyone who has done real academic homework, seriously, for years, knows what I am talking about. You go step by step to a state of mind that is conducive to the task at hand. You do the same preliminary steps over and over. Then you go and kill the task.

This post is spot-on and is all about the role of largely unconscious processing of information.

Thansk again for posting on this topic.

[Rushmore]

Sometimes, back when there was no internet poker, I would play 20+ hour sessions. Of course, the reason for this was because I had made some significant effort to GET to the game, and quitting meant no poker for x or y days, until I could get back to the casino or cardroom. I used to nod off at the table all the time. One of the dealers at the Oaks in Emeryville, CA once pulled me aside and said "Why beat the game for 8 hours, then give it all back while you're falling asleep? Go home and get some sleep."

I bring this up because now, more than ever, we have no rationalization or justification for playing under less-than-optimal circumstances. There will be a game going on when you're not tired, one going on with a beatable lineup, one going on when you're ready to play, and you won't need to get on a bus or a plane or pay any tolls or sit next to Ellix Powers or anything.

Bottom line: we got it good nowadays. There's no reason to screw that up just by being impulsive or irresponsible or lazy or impatient.

P.S. You're right about the Psychology forum. Oh well.

[Bluffoon]

I am careful about playing first thing in the morning. I THINK I am fully awake and alert but it isnt until I actually AM fully awake and alert that I realize that I wasn't.

The problem for me is that it is hard to judge when all systems are functioning at 100% when they are not functioning at 100%.

[Paluka]

I absolutey understand what is going on here,because I do the exact same "stick my head in and check out the high-limit games" thing at weird times sometimes. It is often when I don't have a long time to play so I dont' feel like firing up the full complement of tables, which for me often involves playing on 4 different sites. I almost always play worse when I feel like I'm "rushed". If you go in with the mentality that you need to make a score and then hit the shower, you are bound to play a little worse. Also, when you might subconsciously view these sessions as being for enjoyment rather than your daily "income". That is bad as well (at least monetarily). I've lost a lot of money because I'm sitting in front of my computer thinking "man, I don't really feel like playing poker, so I'll play some 100-200 instead." Your situation isn't as obviously dumb as mine, but I think there are definite reasons why you might be playing worse.

[TheWorstPlayer]

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"man, I don't really feel like playing poker, so I'll play some 100-200 instead."

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Quote of the day for sure. I just spit Coke out all over my computer.

[Benman]

I take my hat off to anybody that can lay down a decent Dolly Parton reference.

[glen]

I've lost a lot of money because I'm sitting in front of my computer thinking "man, I don't really feel like playing poker, so I'll play some 100-200 instead."

I don't even want to think about what my bill has been for thinking this, lol. . .