Maintaining concentration in long sessions

[Vinetou]

I mean not easiest but more healthy.

[InVogue]

smoking before I play enhances my game (im talking about playing live ofcourse)

[Vinetou]

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smoking before I play enhances my game (im talking about playing live ofcourse)

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You will probably play poker till the rest of your life and I wouldn't like to make that a habit. Especially, I wouldn't advice people on forum to do this. If you are addicted to cigarretes, it might work. But generally, try to avoid those things. It is an addiction.

In some post on HU forum, one guy said that he plays better when he smokes marihuana, because he doesn't tilt (and you know that in HU play, this is the most dangerous issue because things sometimes get personal). But this is because he is not able to relax other way. You probably know this is not healthy so I just advice all posters on this forum to try something else. You should try to relax and be in good shape by other methods.

[JavaNut]

I have no problems focusing for hours on end, the reason for that is that I used to play chess for many years as a kid and then bridge when younger doing up to 5-6 4 hour sessions during one weekend. I do not think there is a substitute for practice. It is not a bad idea to be in good shape physically, but in itself it does not do much, as it is your brain that needs to be in shape. As it can be costly playing poker for real money beyond your current limits in how long you can focus, find a different way, perhaps a computer game where you need to concentrate for hours on end or even sudoku. Then try to do longer and longer sessions forcing yourself to focus the whole time.

[Vinetou]

I don't actually need to focus on the game, because I just get into it. After few minutes, I can't stop. I am addicted. Treat it like a fun (it might be your job, but it is fun anyway) and don't even try to concentrate. If you don't even try to concentrate, but just watch your opponents and pick up as much information you can, concentration will come naturally. My advice: Don't even try.

This is not just some hot air I am talking about but some Zen thing, I don't know much about that stuff, but it should work.

[jay_shark]

Listen to music on an ipod while playing helps .

I think it's important that you take several breaks during your sessions . Perhaps as much as 10 minute breaks for each hour of playing .

[JOHNY CA$H]

Just practice man, play a little longer each day and force yourself to play your A game.