Powerful Poker Habits That Separate Pros from Amateurs

Powerful Poker Habits That Separate Pros from Amateurs

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Poker Habits

Poker Habits

Poker is often seen as a game of skill. Luck might have some impact on a hand, but skilled players tend to beat less skilled ones over many hands dealt. That’s why poker is such a timeless game. It involves skills like knowing probabilities, reading opponents, managing your bankroll, and making smart choices with limited information.

The blend of skill and strategy makes poker both hard and exciting for its fans.

It’s easy to spot the bad habits that make some players lose, but what are the good habits that winners use? Or better yet: what habits do you have that help you succeed at poker?

Natural talent matters, but many good poker habits don’t need skill, just effort and determination. If you’re eager to improve your game, developing solid poker habits can help you earn more and reach your goals. Join BLITZPOKER today and take your skills to the next level on India’s best online poker platform.

Poker Habit #1: Take Breaks and Avoid Playing Poker When Tired

Long poker sessions might seem exciting, but they can hurt your game. Just like athletes perform poorly after a late night, poker players won’t perform well if they’re tired or emotional. Poker is a game of skill, and a sharp mind is crucial for success.

Cash games offer flexibility. You can choose when to play, as long as there’s a game available. Many poker rooms allow players to take breaks, even if they’ve got chips on the table. This makes it easier to play when you feel fresh. However, players often push themselves too far. If you can handle 20-hour sessions and still play well, that’s great. But if you’re tired and losing focus, it’s time to step away from the table.

Tournament players don’t have the same luxury of choosing when to play. Even if you register late, if day two begins at 10 A.M., you have to be there on time. Most players have had to play tired at some point, but you can plan ahead to avoid it. If your tournament starts early, try to get at least eight hours of sleep the night before. This way, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to perform. If nerves keep you awake, look for ways to stay alert without relying on coffee, which can make you jittery and lead to an energy crash. Green tea with lemon offers a better, steadier boost.

Taking breaks is not just important when you’re tired. It’s even more crucial when you’re tilting. Tilt can mess with your judgement and lead to bad decisions. Everyone has seen a player lose control due to tilt. Even if your opponent is weak, if you let your emotions take over, you could easily become the weaker player. If you notice yourself tilting, step away. Take a walk, cool down, and return with a clear mind. Keeping your emotions in check will help you make better choices at the table.

Poker Habit #2: Take a Moment to Pause Before Acting, Even on an Easy Fold

When we talk about poker habits, one must pause briefly before making a move, even if it’s an easy fold. Always take a couple of seconds before acting to avoid revealing how much thought you’re giving to your hand. If a decision takes longer, that’s fine, but make it a habit to allow yourself those two or three seconds every time.

Poker Habit #3:Taking Notes and Tracking Your Poker Sessions

Many low-stakes players neglect taking notes and tracking their bankroll, but these are essential for improving your game. Reviewing past hands, even losses, helps you learn and grow. Since it’s hard to remember every hand, taking notes – whether on paper or using your smartphone – is key.

Recording hands is easier than ever with mobile apps. Most players today use their phone’s Notes app, while others still prefer old-school pen and paper. Either way, making the effort to track your play will improve your game over time.

Equally important is tracking your poker sessions and bankroll. Apps like Poker Bankroll Tracker make this simple, with features like hand replays and odds calculators. With so many tools available, there’s no excuse not to keep track of your progress and improve.

Poker Habit #4: Breathe Deeply and Sit Comfortably

Deep, regular breathing helps calm your mind, making it easier to think clearly during tough decisions. Alongside this, sitting comfortably and with good posture is essential. Avoid slouching, as it not only causes discomfort but also disrupts your focus. Sit upright, with relaxed shoulders, and maintain balance for better mental clarity and long-term well-being.

Poker Habit #5: Minimise Distractions During Poker Play

Staying focused at the poker table is crucial to maintaining your edge. Watching videos or constantly using your phone may seem harmless, but it takes your attention away from the game, costing you valuable information and EV over time.

Even if you’re not in a hand, paying attention can help you pick up patterns in your opponents’ play. Missing this could lead to tough decisions later, where knowledge of past hands might have helped. For example, if you’d noticed a bluff earlier, you might make a better call in a similar spot.

Using phones and listening to music or podcasts can also affect your concentration. While some players can handle background noise, many perform better without distractions. Track your performance with and without these distractions to see what works best for you. Eliminating distractions will likely improve your game and results over time.

Poker Habit #6: Building Bankroll & Setting and Adhering to Bankroll Management

Implementing strict bankroll management rules is essential to ensure you only risk what you can afford and can withstand downswings. This involves allocating a specific portion of your bankroll for each stake level and game type, and committing to these limits, even during challenging times.

Alongside managing your bankroll, focus on gradually building it. Seek out games with favourable conditions, leverage bonuses and promotions, and carefully choose when to move up in stakes based on your skill level.

Poker Habit #7: Follow The Strategy That Works Well For You

Discipline is a key trait and one of the most powerful poker habits for profitable poker players. If you’ve been card dead for hours in a poker tournament and the blinds keep rising, it’s tempting to change your strategy. With live-streamed poker showcasing wild plays, it’s easy to justify poor decisions.

If you study poker regularly, you know which strategies work. Deviating from your studied strategy means losing your edge and blending in with players who don’t study. Changing your preflop ranges leads to tricky post-flop situations.

If you’re playing poker just for fun, go ahead and play any way you like. But if you aim to make significant money and move up to higher stakes, stay disciplined. Stick to the strategy you’ve studied and make sure your study time pays off!

Poker Habit #8: Keep Up with Regular Poker Study

To win at poker in 2024, regular study is essential. Most low-stakes players don’t study consistently, so even dedicating 2-3 hours a week can give you a significant edge. If you’re new to studying poker strategy, it’s crucial to start with a clear plan.

Begin by focusing on the variant of poker you play most often. A resource like BLITZPOKER’s Poker Journal offers a structured approach, starting with fundamentals and moving to advanced tactics. Once you’ve completed it, test what you’ve learned by grinding on tables.

Since most players have limited time due to work or family commitments, it’s vital to maximise your study sessions. Choose a quiet, distraction-free environment, turn off your phone, and prepare a study plan in advance. Recording your hand histories can also highlight areas to improve. For instance, if you frequently lose from the big blind.

Hiring a private poker coach can be a valuable step if you can afford it, but if not, engaging with other players in study groups can still help you grow. Surround yourself with players who challenge you, and you’ll continue to improve.

Poker Habit #9: Make a Habit of Categorising Your Opponents and Reviewing Your Notes on Their Styles

Consistently categorising your opponents can give you a significant edge. Identify player types such as “fish,” who make poor decisions; “maniac,” who is overly aggressive; “LAG,” who plays many hands aggressively; “TAG,” who is selective but aggressive; and “rock,” who plays very few hands. Keep detailed notes on their tendencies, including their betting patterns and reactions. Update these notes regularly as you observe their play. By reminding yourself of their type and adjusting your strategy accordingly, you can make more informed decisions and enhance your overall game.

Poker Habit #10: Once You’ve Seen Your Cards, Memorize Them and Avoid Looking Again

Once you’ve seen your hole cards, there’s no need to check them again. Repeatedly peeking at your cards can inadvertently signal information to your opponents, undermining your strategy. Instead, focus on memorising them immediately after your initial look. If you struggle to recall just two cards, it might be worth reconsidering your readiness for the game. Developing a solid memory for your cards is essential to maintaining a competitive edge and keeping your tactics under wraps.