When you absolutely love playing poker and you're so deeply invested, it can be easy to fall into an unrelenting cycle of playing day after day, night after night, driven by the thrill of competition and the pursuit of improvement.
However, as highlighted in a recent DM from a student of mine who’s been playing almost nightly for the past two weeks, consistent play without adequate breaks can lead to burnout, frustration and even suboptimal performance.
So, is taking a break from poker a good idea?
Let’s explore the pros and cons of stepping away from the table.
The Pros of Taking a Break
Mental Reset
One of the most obvious benefits of taking a break from playing is to give your mind a chance to reset.
If you let it, bad beats, frequent suck outs and playing under high stress can all take their toll and will eventually destroy your mental game, leading to tilt and poor decision making.
A break allows you to distance yourself from your recent frustrations, which will help restore mental balance.
Focused Study Time
Improvement in poker doesn't come from playing, it comes from studying and consistently working on your game.
If you're stuck in a continuous cycle of playing and not dedicating sufficient time to reviewing hands, plugging leaks and learning from your mistakes, you're doing yourself a disservice and you won't get any better.
Do you think you could get better at any other game like tennis or chess just by playing?
A break can be the perfect time to shift your focus to off-the-table work, which will not only deepen your understanding of the game, but ensure you come back stronger and more prepared.
Physical Well-being
Long hours at the poker table, especially late-night sessions, can take a toll on your physical health.
Lack of sleep, poor posture and prolonged inactivity can all contribute to fatigue and physical discomfort.
Stepping away for a few days or even a week allows you to catch up on rest, exercise and general self-care, which in turn will lead to better focus and energy levels when you return to the tables.
Fresh Perspective
Time away from playing can help you see the game in a new light.
Identify leaks you didn't even know you had and then fix them so you can return with a clear mind and an improved skillset.
A break gives you the opportunity to reassess your overall approach and make adjustments to your game without the pressure of competition.
The Cons of Taking a Break
Potential Rust
One potential downside of stepping away from playing is the risk of becoming rusty.
Like any skill, poker requires practice to maintain peak performance.
If you take a break, maybe you'll feel yourself second-guessing decisions when you return.
The easy fix for this, of course, is to add drills to your study sessions.
Just because you're taking a break from playing, doesn't mean that you need to take a break from studying.
Lost Momentum
If you're a player who thrives on consistency, taking a break can disrupt your momentum.
When you’re in the groove and playing well, a break might feel like it halts your progress and creates a need to build back confidence and momentum once you return.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
If you regularly have access to great tournaments, taking a break might feel like you're missing out on amazing opportunities.
This can be especially true when there are limited local games or special events that are part of your regular schedule.
But poker's always going to be there.
Imagine coming back to these great games with an improved skillset.
Striking the Right Balance
Ultimately, the decision to take a break comes down to what you want.
If you find yourself feeling frustrated or mentally and physically drained, you must take a break.
Use that time to prioritise study and self care and reflect on your game so you can return rejuvenated and ready to crush.
Ideally, consider taking shorter, more regular breaks rather than waiting until you feel the need for a more extended absence. Dedicating one or two days (or nights) to study and rest can make a significant difference in maintaining balance and performance.
That's it for this week.
See you next time.
Whenever you're ready, here's how I can help you:
The Final Table: Play your best poker when the most is at stake. Detailed analysis of over 100 hand examples at different stages of play. Learn how to make great decisions every time and set yourself up for daily progress.
Poker On The Mind: Listen to my podcast with Dr Tricia Cardner as we discuss peak poker performance and tournament poker strategy.
MTT Poker Academy: Join the tournament poker community for part-time players with full-time lives. Learn the strategies to optimise your study time and boost your ROI around your day job.
Train & Play Like The Pros: Join my signature programme that will take you from amateur to training and playing like the pros in the next 12 weeks.
Purposeful Practice for Poker: Gain a clear theoretical understanding of the science of purposeful practice and how you can apply it to your poker study & training. Includes specific exercises designed to create an infallible plan for poker improvement.
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