How can I slow it down?

[The Teflon Donk]

I’m fairly new to live poker, and I’m struggling with jitters.

My background is online, and I’m finding the live game is moving faster than online, subjectively of course. I’m making myself act too fast and not thinking things through like I would on the internet and it’s all unforced errors.

It’s not just a matter of acting artificially fast. My mind is undisciplined because of the nervousness, and I cant think clearly enough. For example, I can only come up with broad brush thoughts on my opponents ranges.

I’m going to try some breathing exercises prior to playing, I’ve heard it’s helpful.

Does anyone else have any suggestions?

[XLTroubles]

How much experience do you have at the live table? I’ve been playing online since I was young and have a good understanding of the game, but I recently hit the age where I could sit down and a real casino and play. Once I get there I noticed how quick my nerves got to me, within an hour and a half I was worked up and made some mistakes I shouldn’t had. Luckily I started off very low stakes with not much money because it took me two or three times before I felt comfortable in that environment.

[XLTroubles]

I would just focus on getting time under your belt so you can get use to the difference of live vs online.

[The Teflon Donk]

Not much experience- just started a month ago.

I tend to start amped up and eventually calm down, but my decision making is still too accelerated.

I imagine just logging more hours is probably the best solution. It’s frustrating because I feel like I have an edge a lot of the time as is, I know I’d be a much better player without the yips

[DeeKay]

I’ve been playing live casino poker for 15 years, and I still get a little nervous if I pick up a hand early… not knowing the players, tendancies, etc. Sometimes I’m crystal clear… I see everything. I hear Brad’s voice in my head helping me make decisions. And sometimes I’ve got nothing. My brain wont go through the rhythms.

If you look new and nervous, good players will take advantage. You’re also likely to fold, being conservative. No question this will all relax over time, but there are a few things you can do. Create 5 simple bullet points that remind yourself of the progression you should take when playing a hand. Such as:
What type of player is he?
What do I know about his style?
What hands are in his range?
How much equity value do I have in this hand?
How many streets of value do I have?
What do I think he thinks I’m representing

So essentially create 5 points that help you go through an analysis progression. Then memorize. Before sitting down, run through them in your head a few times. This will help. I used to do this for tournaments and I would go through my key 3 factors to remember early in tournaments. Its help me to play more aggressive when appropriate.

Or just fold for awhile until you calm down. You ever see a pro golfer step away from his ball. He simply doesn’t feel it, is distracted or unfocused… so he steps away for a few swings to find that zone. Same thing with poker.

Another option… have a beer. Sometimes a little alcohol will help relax you. Calm things down… slow things down.

Yet another… be chatty at the table… be conversational which will make other players like you and help you get comfortable.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 3 months ago by DeeKay.

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