Concentration

SALT1R3

Hi all I am going to be playing more now to try and build my bankroll a bit and see where it takes me. I have a question though, how do you all maintain table concentration for playing a long time. I am fine for over an an hour or so but then my concentration starts to wander. What tips could you give for me in order to improve my concentration for longer periods - does it come with experience - the more you play, the better at it you'll become? Are there any techniques some of you employ for those longer sessions?

spornybol

my tip is 

1 - get rid off mrs and kids pre
2 - go empty bladder - bowls
3  - drink what what you can in that hour
4 - ignore dohhhhh drink wise

MP33

Put the TV off and concentrate on the game and what the other players on the table are doing.

I,m the opposite - I find it easier after an hour as your picking up more reads and players strategys and when you not involved in hands try guessing the hands of the other players and see how close you can get

GL

SALT1R3

Yeah I don't have music or telly on when I play, I like to focus as much as possible and try to pick tells and patterns up but I still tend to get mentally tired after an hour and a half or so; hopefully it will come with more experience.

nagrom

If you're playing cash games and SnG's then a break every hour for 10 or 15 mins is good to keep your mind fresh. If you feel the focus just isn't there then stop, because it's immediately -EV. In MTT's due to the short breaks and lengthy time they can take, I actually try to not concentrate too hard as I find this wears me out quickly and I've got less in the tank later. Practise does help your endurance though and if you're really serious then regular workouts whether it be at the gym or just a kickabout with some mates will definitely enhance your endurance.

SALT1R3

In Response to Re: Concentration:

If you're playing cash games and SnG's then a break every hour for 10 or 15 mins is good to keep your mind fresh. If you feel the focus just isn't there then stop, because it's immediately -EV. In MTT's due to the short breaks and lengthy time they can take, I actually try to not concentrate too hard as I find this wears me out quickly and I've got less in the tank later. Practise does help your endurance though and if you're really serious then regular workouts whether it be at the gym or just a kickabout with some mates will definitely enhance your endurance.
Posted by nagrom

Yeah I did notice that in mtt's with the break then after it I am refreshed a bit and play fairly well then on. I only recently restarted cash and I dunno if I will stick to it or go back to playing tourneys but I will heed your advice on a break every hour to get recharged. I know working out does help, I have lost 6 stone in weight in the last two years and that definately improved my mental and general health though I have not been at it as vigourously in the last six months or so - just playing the odd game of badminton once a week. Gonna get back into it all from next week hopefully with the summer months coming in and maybe I should then see a difference in my game as my concentration improves. Hope so anyway!!