Concentration

Chugs

I've been finding that i simply don't have the same concentation and more importantly patience online that i do in a b&m.

I've been having some decent results (small sample) recently in ring games and tournaments outside of the online world. I play a good patient game ... i don't push small edges, i wait and let my play and oppurtunities dictate my actions.

Online, even when i'm not distracted with other stuff (ie. focused on poker)... i push to hard. I try to make miracles happen, that simply aren't going to. Play more agressivelly and get snapped off at the knees. you think oh well i can start another tourney or oh there's action on one of my other tables (when multi tabling)

i find that online, just being in front of a computer makes me an action junkie as it were ... in a way that simply doesn't happen when i'm playing poker in the real world. Is this just something i'll have to always accept with online poker, that it isn't the same as real world poker.

Goms27

I am almost exactly the same way. Believe it or not I find it easier when I am playing three tables at a time compared to just one. When playing one table I get a lot of the same feelings that you described. When playing 3 tables I find myself playing good starting cards and not playing as many bad calls with bad odds. Although I probably also get hurt by playing 3 tables in not being able to pick up the tendancies of other players.

Paul3221

I find the same thing online. If I'm just playing a single table, and not doing anything else, I start playing or chasing questionable hands out of boredom, and it costs me money. I've started playing multiple tables, or reading while I play. I don't get many reads on players that way, but online, most of them aren't there for more that 30 minutes anyway.

DJP

Sorry Chugs, what were you saying? lol j/k


Yes concentration is a huge part of bringing your A game with you online or offline. I've always found that when my concentration is low, my game has suffered. I don't think there is a cure, but getting rest beforehand, making sure you've eaten, and trying to get yourself in the right frame of mind might help.

Then as you are playing, and before boredom sets in, try keeping track of the other players moves more closely. Make notes, write things down if you have to. Try to categorize their play style, especially in hands you're not in. Do whatever it takes to keep your focus on the game, and not on the action. Put a sticky on the monitor if you have to. "This is not a vlt" or "monkey man go home" maybe. lol

Gotta be a few more but those come to mind first.

Now what were we talking about?

Pigga

What i do and it helped last night,

I normally listen to music while im playing, pretty much everything...
last night people were watch a movie in the next room over, so i tossed on some headphones and it actually helped me focus/pass the time while i was card dead, think the song i played most, 'Kenny Rogers - The Gambler' heh, fun to sing along with and i think just by listening to the music i WAS more focused and was able to make laydowns that i more usually would probably call....

just my 2 cents

Pigga

Unknown

Sorry Chugs, what were you saying? lol j/k

ROFL.

Interestingly enough, I find it's the opposite. I have more patience in online games than in B&M games. Not in tournaments, though... I seem to play more or less the same in both situations, but in cash games, I definitely have more patience online. The reasons for this are that there are way more hands/hr (particularly if you're multi-tabling) so you don't have to wait as long until you're dealt a playable hand. Also, you can surf the net, watch TV, etc.... basically keep yourself occupied so you don't get into marginal situations.

Great advice eh? Don't pay attention to the game, and you won't get bored. I should write a book.

Nonetheless, if I find myself getting restless in a profitable online game I will make an effort to do other things while I wait for a hand, rather than risk playing marginal hands in bad position.

And let's face it, just a general note here... B&M cash games move SOOOOOOOO slow. I only notice it now that I've played a lot online. It's like how everyone thought dial-up was great until everyone got used to DSL. I have a hard time sitting at a B&M table playing cash games, unless it's with a bunch of good friends over a few beers, etc...

Goms27

all_aces wrote:

. I have a hard time sitting at a B&M table playing cash games, unless it's with a bunch of good friends over a few beers, etc...

Funny that you say that as my only live games at the casino are almost 100% tournaments. The only time I find myself in regular ring games is with the buddies and lots of beers!