Reading your opponents is not the only skill that matters in online poker. Some habits from everyday life can also help you play better or reach a new level faster. Want to play like a pro? Then, let’s check the lifestyle hacks that may help.
1. Prioritize Physical and Mental Health
You need to be on top of your physical and mental health to up your game. Poker needs a good strategy, so you have to be ready. Even a simple daily workout, like a brisk walk or a quick run, keeps you energized and sharp. A good thing for those long poker sessions (helps to stay focused longer).
Eating well is just as important. Foods like fish, nuts, and berries are great for brain function. You don’t have to eat only this, just include it in your diet. For example, two or three nuts a day may be enough.
There are two best things for your mental wellness: sleep well and meditate from time to time. It helps manage stress and keep you calm, which is crucial when the stakes are high. Also, figure out the best time to stay fresh in the morning (try not to oversleep).
2. Develop a Consistent Routine
First of all, try to practice regularly. Carve out specific times each day to go over hands, study strategies, or play practice games. Pick new strategies and tips from experienced players and try them in the free game mode (it is safer like that, especially if you are a newbie). Then, apply these strategies to live dealer games. You can find many of those at Casino LuckyHunter – the platform gives lots of free cash to new players, which you can spend on practicing.
And don’t forget to balance your poker practice with other life responsibilities and leisure activities. Overloading on poker can lead to burnout.
Develop habits that get you in the right mindset before you start playing. Check your strategy, do a quick mental check, or just set some goals for the session. If you have already had some gaming sessions, remember what kind of mistakes you made before and try to avoid them this time.
3. Continuously Study and Learn
You’re never done learning in this game. The game itself is always evolving. If you’re not keeping up with the trends, you’re gonna fall behind. Watch the top players, see what moves they’re making, and check out what’s being discussed in poker communities and forums. You’ve got to be adaptable — what used to be a killer strategy a while ago can become predictable today.
Don’t hesitate to invest in yourself. You can find a lot of free content online, but the right book or a few coaching sessions can bring greater help. “The Theory of Poker” by David Sklansky is good for understanding the logic behind decisions. Another must-read is “Harrington on Hold’em” by Dan Harrington, which is about tournament play.
4. Cultivate Emotional Control and Patience
If your emotions get the best of you, you’re done. The trick is not to let that mess with your head. Instead of getting caught up in the losses, concentrate on making smart decisions, hand after hand. One thing I’ve seen a lot of pros do is treat each hand like a separate event. If you can’t sit still or always need action, try your best to wait for the right spots (force yourself to sit out several hands in a row).
You also need to pick up on the little things, like how much your opponents bet or how long they take to make a decision. Use mindfulness practices like meditation to help build that focus.
5. Build and Maintain a Strong Network
Networking with other players, coaches, and industry insiders can help you access valuable insights and opportunities. For example, you might catch wind of a new strategy or get early access to major tournaments through these connections. Forums, social media groups, and local meetups are where you’ll find the latest trends, strategies, and poker news. You can pick up new tricks, hear about game changes, or even learn about new games and events before they hit the mainstream.
These communities are also great for meeting people who can offer advice or even invite you to private games. You can try Reddit or Discord for this, as they have more users than any other platform.
Finding a mentor who’s been around the block can provide you with guidance. They can help you navigate tricky spots and avoid common pitfalls. On the other hand, mentoring someone else can sharpen your own skills.
Conclusion
Not all these rules are set in stone, but they’re definitely worth following. Keep your emotions in check and don’t let them mess with your bankroll. If you’re serious about upping your game, give these tips a shot — you won’t regret it.