How to hit peak performance at the WSOP #5: Stress

Welcome back! Last week our series on enhancing your poker skills through health and wellness looked at the importance of good sleep. This week we focus on a critical aspect of the game that often goes unchecked: stress management.

In the fast-paced, high-stress world of poker, learning to manage stress effectively is crucial for maintaining mental clarity and making strategic decisions under pressure. During the World Series of Poker, being on your ‘A-game’ is even more crucial given how large the prize pools are.

Recognizing stress in poker

Every poker player faces moments of stress, whether from the pressure of a high-stakes bet for your tournament life at a final table, or the strain of a long cash-game session.

Understanding and acknowledging the sources of stress in your poker experience is the first step toward managing them effectively. Recognizing when you feel stressed and identifying what triggers these feelings helps you to address them proactively.

Casinos by their nature can be overwhelming and overstimulating places in which to spend time.

Strategies for enhanced in-game composure

Managing stress before it impacts your gameplay is key. Here are several techniques designed to reduce stress levels and improve your focus and composure during the game:

1. Deep-Breathing Exercises: Simple yet effective, deep-breathing helps to calm the mind and reduce tension. Practice breathing deeply for a few minutes before you start playing and during breaks to reset your mind and ease anxiety. An app that I’ve found helpful in the past is called Breathwrk and you can find it in your phone’s app store.
2. Regular Meditation: Incorporating meditation into your daily routine can significantly improve your ability to stay calm and focused under pressure. Even short sessions can be beneficial, providing a sense of calm that carries over into your game. I like the Waking Up app by Sam Harris. You can get a 30-day free trial by using my link to sign up.
3. Mental Preparation Routines: Develop a pre-game ritual that helps you prepare mentally and emotionally. This might include visualizing playing your A-game, reviewing strategies, or listening to calming or inspirational music. Consistent routines can enhance mental readiness and in-game composure.
4. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in your body. It's particularly useful for relieving physical tension and can also help to quiet a busy mind.
5. Setting Realistic Goals: Pressure often comes from high expectations. Set achievable, realistic goals for each session to reduce stress and build confidence. Focus more on the quality of your decisions rather than the results you’re obtaining during the long summer grind.

When pressure is focused and harnessed correctly - such as with the Bellagio's water fountains - the results can be amazing.

Applying these techniques

Start by incorporating one or two of these strategies into your routine. For example, dedicate five minutes each morning to meditation, or practise deep-breathing before each cash session or tournament day.

As these techniques become habitual, you'll likely notice a more profound sense of control and calm during your games.

Looking forward

Next week, we’ll explore additional aspects of lifestyle that can further enhance your mental and physical stamina at the poker table. By then, you will have equipped yourself with an array of tools for managing stress, each enhancing your ability to maintain composure and make clear-headed decisions when they matter most.

Stay focused and remember, managing stress isn't just about improving your game — it's about improving your overall quality of life.

^{Images courtesy of Sören Funk, John Schnobrich and Yoav Aziz on Unsplash}