nervousness and self-consciousness at live table

[Foolgizaki]

I have also experienced some difficulty at the table with this issue. I am a young player, and therefore relatively new to live casino games. Not only am I young, but I also look young for my age.

I have dealt with this by focusing on my table image. Nothing speaks louder than showing down some quality well played hands, but to get to that point try taking a little extra time when it is your turn to act. You don't necessarily have to wait for your turn to look at your cards, but it is important to realize how much time and effort you have put into the tournament and step back and take a few seconds to consider your options. Taking this step back has helped me realize that it is still poker I am playing. If you understand the concepts, this should be enough to calm your nerves.

Also, you can use your table image to your advantage, if you are young, you can play off of your "inexperience" or nervousness. Not many people are going to call a pre-flop reraise from a "timid" young player.

[kayaker]

Breathe blue air. I'm not kidding. Close your eyes and imagine the air you breathe in and out is blue. It works well for me.

[Javanewt]

It definitely gets better. Still, though, when I hit a big hand, my heart beats almost out of my chest and my hands shake. However, I take beta-blockers to keep my heart rate down. Amazing how well it works.

Pathetic, I know, but many speakers/actors use them for the same reasons. No side effects, and I take only 1/2 pill once per session, which can last 10 hours.

Helps that my ex-boyfriend is a physician and will write me a prescriptions [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[MrGladstone]

I found that the nervouseness went away quickly after a couple sessions. Keep in mind that most people at low limits are there for fun and to socialize. A good percentage of them are poor players anyway, so don't worry about how you look. If you find yourself nervous you might tighten up your game a bit until you feel more relaxed...just watch the players, put them on hands and enjoy yourself.

[MrGladstone]

...Oh, and I just remembered something else that I found amusing. I was playing 4/8 and a new player next to me was telling me how nervous he was. Making conversation, I asked him what he did for work. He said he was an air traffic controller. I found that somewhat funny [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]. Point is, everyone has been there.

[tarheeljks]

why do people suggest this?