Concentration

In this week's essay we will inform you about the psychological and physiological aspects of concentration and how important it is for your game.

This week we will deal with the underestimated, but important theme of concentration. In my view the importance of concentration is underestimated by many players. Becoming a successful pokerplayer means being aware of this importance and putting it into practice by training it specifically. I'd like to give you an understanding this week, how to learn to concentrate, what it means and why it is of utmost importance while playing poker.

Let's start one more time with the most important issue, a definition of concentration/attention:

Definition

Attention is part of focus, concentration, a component of intelligence. Attention, focus of attention,  only lasts a few seconds (tests suggested up to 90 but 30 seconds is regarded as maximum for focusing attention). Attention is the act or process of focusing on one or more particulars in the content of one's consciousness to give special clearance to essentials by restricting one's sensory input from the environment's unwanted aspects. Attention is never entire; it digresses, but can be re-focused at will. (http://www.geocities.com/cncntrtn/index.html)

Relating to your specific play it means freeing your mind and really focusing your thoughts on the decisions at the pokertable. This sounds easy, but sometimes the conditions are not good enough to even being capable of concentrating.

First of all we have to ask ourselves, how to allow for this focus. Which conditions are appropriate?

The conditions are divided into psychological and physiological aspects. Thus concentration is a matter of unifying body and mind. Both have to fulfil different conditions to ensure that they work as a unity. They can hardly be separated from each other due to their necessary interdependency. I'll keep them separate as well as possible, but will also mention their actual correlation.

Psychological aspects in order to allow for concentration and improve it

• the interest

The more interested I am in a certain subject, the more I can put my thoughts on it. Thus it is very important that you are interested in the game by itself. A person, who just plays for earning money will never become as good as someone, who wants to comprehend and grasp all facets of the game. Of course money plays an important role, but business was set before pleasure 😉

• the mental balance

You should be mentally balanced. This means being relaxed and able to mentally give yourself over to something. You shouldn't play if you are in an emotionally tense situation and easily distracted. An example: You have just argued with your girl-friend, you have gotten worked up about something and are now upset/short-tempered/aggressive. You should become aware of such a disturbing factor. It will be hard to concentrate on something, if you are burdened with certain incidents. It is advisable to only play if your mind is free.

Correlation: To get a physiologically comfortable feeling and vitality you have to care for your body (I'll mention that later)

Physiological aspects in order to allow for concentration and improve it

• enough sleep

You should use to sleep in the night (I know, many of you don't ;)) because this is the only time to get a deep sleep and enjoy optimal relaxation.

• have breaks

You should have short breaks, in which you can lie back, train your body or eat a little bit. Therefore food can be recommended, which quickly gives your body energy. Tasty and helping: Granola bars, apple spritzer, chocolate ;). You can also look for other food.

• find a different activity

(I could also describe this point in the upper part) It is very important to find a different activity from your daily job (e.g. working 8 hours in an office). You can go for a run or do any type of sport.

• healthful food

If you demand a lot of your body you also have to give a lot to him. A balanced diet is essential if you want your brain to work flat out. Your body and mind need (to name a few) carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, fibres, minerals to work properly. Furthermore you have to give enough water to your body because the brain, which consists of 75% water, has to be fed sufficiently.

• sport

I don't have to tell you that sport is healthy, but here is a tip:

Make a short break after having gone in for sports and calm down before taking a seat at the pokertable. During sports your brain releases "happiness hormones" like dopamine. This, for instance, improves your concentrativeness.

• the human output curve

There are certain times of day your body is not efficient at. You should recognize these times and take them into consideration. You should avoid them and play when you feel more powerful.

• fresh air and daylight

It's important that you go for a walk at least half an hour per day to feel oxygen and light. Oxygen is essential for our brain because it ensures that nutrients via cells are transported in the blood. Light is important for the production of vitamin d and regulates the sleep/wake cycle with help of the substance "melanin".

With the optimal arrangement of your workstation you can avoid stresses and strains. You can be as relaxed and concentrated as possible.

• don't play to many tables at the same time

• close every application, which could distract you (Skype, ICQ, IRC, IE, Winamp)

• don't force yourself to play. You shouldn't feel as if you would have to win and may not lose
• mind the tips given in this article, try not to lapse into an automatic play caused by a long session
• before every session: tell yourself you are superior to your opponents. Self assurance is very important at poker
• avoid impulsive reactions as affronting other players in the chat. This influences your inner calmness and concentration negatively
• improve your power of concentration especially with the help of active learning (pokertheory). This means questioning an issue with your own intellectual capacity. Own thoughts, sample hands, private coaching, public coaching are instruments for active learning
• accomplish intensive sessions. Just play one table for an hour and take enough time for every decision.

IMPORTANT
Even if you've already heard of it or read about it. Many of those things are regularly forgotten. It's important to become aware of them again and again.

Feel free to discuss:
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