Poker is a fascinating game with layers upon layers of strategy! Expert poker players often spend years analyzing strategies, honing their skills, and learning from other masters. There’s a reason there are so many poker books out there.

A lot of the top players want to share their specific insights, and it really is a game that deserves this level of analysis. Still, given the complexity of the game and the dedication that goes into becoming a top player, how do these experts manage to balance the rest of their lives with their passion for the game?

The Cost of Mental and Physical Exertion in Poker

Poker is not simply a game of luck; it requires skill, stamina, and patience. When playing in live tournaments or long sessions online, experts need to keep their minds focused and their emotions perfectly under control. This is especially true in long games or tournaments where multiple games are played in succession. It’s a surprisingly demanding activity for one that may seem to involve a lot of sitting still! That’s why the best players exercise regularly and ensure they are in good shape before a contest. It’s surprising what a difference this can make to their ability to play well.

Nutrition plays a vital role in this too. A high-protein, low-carb diet, combined with regular doses of Omega-3 helps the top poker players stay on form for longer matches. Many poker enthusiasts also use intermittent fasting as a method of staying sharp, controlling their weight, and improving cognitive function. The discipline needed to adhere to such a diet closely parallels the kind of concentration required at the poker table – and the best players know just how critical their approach to food and general wellness is.

Online Poker and Its Role in the Player’s Day-to-day Rhythm

Many of the top players stick to a schedule that sets aside a specific time of day purely for playing cards online. The internet has been great for this kind of training because it makes poker so much more accessible and means you can find players at any time of day or night.

Another benefit of playing online poker is the precise record-keeping it allows for. In an online environment, every win or loss can be tracked, making it much easier for an individual player to analyze their results in an online poker match. The ability to track and quantify their performance over time allows the modern gamer to better understand the progress they are making and refine their practice sessions with that information in mind.

Dedicated players also take the time to analyze famous games, reviewing the situation with the benefit of knowing what all the hands held at the time were, as well as what cards were still in the deck. This helps them hone their own approach to playing. Memorizing tables of win rates and probabilities can also help an expert reach their true potential – it may not be the most glamorous activity, but the most dedicated players do it anyway!

Managing Relationships With a Poker Lifestyle

As we’ve seen, poker is a demanding hobby, especially for those who want to take it to the next level. How can you also manage your personal relationships?

Well, good communication is a vital first step. Make sure your friends and family understand how important the game is to you and explain the commitments you plan to make clearly and in advance. This means letting them know when you’ll be participating in a tournament at least a few days in advance (maybe more) and also talking through the smaller commitments, like the fact that you will spend a couple of hours each day practicing.

Without the right boundaries between their hobby and their personal lives, many poker players will struggle to be present in their relationships. Poker professionals who emphasize personal relationships have a much greater chance of long-term success.

In fact, many experts believe they have an edge on other players thanks to their stability. Emotional regulation is a key part of this game, and a stable and drama-free life can help you cultivate this. You’ll find it easier to make calm, rational decisions even in the most challenging of games – so it’s well worth putting in the time and ensuring you have support from your loved ones.