Just back from brantford casino had bad butterflies in my stomach.What should I do?
Hey. This might sound a little crazy, but I get super nervous when i play at the casino. I think it might be because I play against strangers, who are sometimes rude or who showoff, or have VERY large chip stacks. How do you folks deal with this? I'm only buying in for (on average) $100-$150. I dont' think i should be THAT nervous... MY stomach gets all twisted up in knots for the whole game, and for the rest of the evening after, even when I've finished the game a long time ago! I don't know how to deal with it. Is drinking a beer a good relaxer for poker? I hear that it doesn't keep you focused, but neither does stress! I'm not a bad player, I'm usually making about 10%-25% profit on my buy-ins, so what do i do?
Comments
Ill I can say is I wouldnt reccomend drinking. In every book Ive ever read it states it as being the number one thing not to do if you are there to win money. However, if you are just playing for fun/ entertainment, I suppose it is okay.
If in hindsight you had nothing to worry about remember that next time you go to the table. Build on your positive experiences.
If you do screw up and do something that embarrasses you at the table, learn from that too. Just be confident that you won't do it next time.
They say that caffeine is better than alchol. Try a coke or a coffee.
I think that this probably will get better over time - the more you play at a casino, the more your body will get used to it and the less adrenalin will kick in. However, there are some people who never seem to overcome it - maybe you are one of these? Especially given that it seems to last until well after your session is over.
The good news is that it doesn't have to affect your performance and on a positive note, it might work to your advantage. You might look a nervous fidgety wreck to your opponents, but on the inside you feel like you always do and therefore you can concentrate on your game. My advice is don't sweat it. You could also look at your pre-game routine - what are you doing before playing? Are you jacking up the tunes to pump yourself up? This might be the WRONG thing for you...maybe try a nap, a workout, a hot shower or anything else that will tend to relax you and bring you down.
Good luck
Good Luck stoneskn
But seriously, I'm now in favour of the "1 beer per hour" rule. (ala Dave) I believe it's just enough to calm you down without affecting your play. It also seems to take the sting out of the rude smelly people you sometimes run into in a casino. lol And hours of caffeine with no food, can do strange things to you too.
As for the "too fat to sit straight at the table so I'll sit sideways guy," the beer never helped me with that person. But life goes on. lol
While it has caffine in it, as opposed to coffee and coke the affect is just more relaxing.
Give it a try it may help.
Chugs