Burnout

[Newportlad]

Does anyone else suffer from Poker Burnout?

I've found that over the last couple of months, my standard of play has dropped alarmingly.
I put this down to playing poker virtually every night, either live or online.

Apart from cutting down on the amount of Poker i play, does anyone else have any other suggestions to combat Burnout?

[byronkincaid]

I've been thinking about this recently, a very well respected 2+2 poster who's been an online pro for 2 years now, emailed me to say that he is totally burnt out and thinking about doing a university degree instead. He has done very well at sngs, cash NL and also multi's (ie tried to vary his games) yet he just can't face it anymore.

I have come to the same conclusion as a lot of others that if you're doing it for a living, the best thing to do is only play for 3 or 4 hours a day. Seriously. 

[-bw-]

This is how I am feeling now, and have been for a couple of months now

I am trying to play less and less as I really dont enjoy it that much at the moment

One thing is for sure, I would hate to do it for a living

I'm hoping when I start playing live games it will renew my zest for the game 

[sixpac]

Probably bad advice, but it works for me.

I find that watching TV,doing su doku puzzles or reading, and playing poker, all at the same time helps.

Obviously multi tasking like this is going to affect your play, but luckily I have enough of an edge over the game to still show a profit most nights.

Bear in mind though that I have very little ambition, dont play to try and win chunks, dont play too big, and am just trying to make a living. I am more than content to make between 500 to a 1000 a week.

If you just sit in front of the screen playing poker, you will probably will probably become introverted, lose touch with whats going on in the world and become as interesting as a tub of lard, you're idea of a fun night out will be exchanging poker/bad beat stories.

Basically what i'm saying is dont take poker to seriously.

[ericstoner]

Get away from the computer..... Go play a live tournement, for the social side of the game,but still  8)with your steely win at all cost style.

[matt674]

If you just sit in front of the screen playing poker, you will probably will probably become introverted, lose touch with whats going on in the world and become as interesting as a tub of lard, you're idea of a fun night out will be exchanging poker/bad beat stories.

So if i'm already introverted, have no idea whats going on in the outside world and less interesting than a tub of lard then i would make an ideal on-line poker player?

Woohoo, i've finally found my vocation in life - i'll have my boss make out my P45....

p.s. what is a fun night OUT?!?!?

[ACE2M]

I'm bored to death with it lately. Am taking a break from online as i just play through habit, even if i don't feel like playing i'll register just because i'm thinking e.g. need to fill the car up with petrol.

Going to play just live for a while as i haven't got very far with that lately. I think the problem is when you develop a strong game and the moves become automatic it just isn't very interesting.

Also i am fast becoming a sad friendless boring poker junkie.....

[Wayneo]

Ive suffered from this, after long sessions. I like to take a few days off and head out with friends etc.
I only seem to get poker burnout when Im losing though!

For the introverted people, trips to the cinema, etc.. all work Im sure.

[The Baron]

As someone who plays A LOT of hours I have had burnouts in the past. Taking time off has to be done - it's a simple as that. Even one week a month or a day or two a week will keep the "hunger".

I'm pretty sick when it comes to poker. Even when I'm ill or hungover I play. When I'm burnt out I play. When I'm asleep I'm playing in my sleep. However to stop the bad plays and the rot setting in I always take scheduled breaks. I would go so far as to say it's an important part of the game.

Negraneau took 2 weeks off before the 2004 WSOP to be rested properly so he could have a stab at best overall player. He won it.