Tip #47 - Don't play when you can't focus
Poker requires constant attention and mental clarity. Playing when you can't maintain focus is like playing with your cards face up - you'll miss important information and make costly mistakes. Many players underestimate how much their lack of focus affects their win rate.
Signs of poor focus:
- Missing opponent's betting patterns
- Not tracking pot sizes accurately
- Forgetting previous action in hands
- Making decisions without proper thought
- Being distracted by external factors
Common causes of poor focus:
- Physical exhaustion
- Mental fatigue
- Personal distractions
- Environmental disruptions
- Playing too many tables online
Guidelines for maintaining focus:
- Take regular breaks during sessions
- Eliminate external distractions
- Stay well-rested and hydrated
- Reduce table count when necessary
- Stop playing when focus wanes
As Daniel Negreanu once said, "Poker isn't a game you can play well while multitasking. Every hand, every player, every action requires your complete attention." If you can't give the game your full focus, you're better off waiting until you can. The money you save by not playing when unfocused will often exceed what you might win in your best sessions.