Long local tournaments can wear down even skilled players, leading to costly mistakes late in the game. These eight mental game hacks will keep you focused, stay sharp, and playing your best from start to finish.
You’re Not Going To See Everything
I can pay attention to every pot at the table. I have that gear. How long can I do that? It’s much harder as I get older. I find it easier to do in the Main Event, but in a $200 event I accept that I’m going to miss some things.
You are likely in a similar boat. You have a day job, kids, a spouse, pets, and other obligations. It’s hard to show up at the poker table with zero distractions, nine hours of sleep, and an espresso.
When you get there, distractions will come about. People will get into stupid fights. Dealers will make mistakes. There will be a loud talker at the table. It’s hard to stay sharp throughout.
If you’re constantly beating yourself up for not seeing everything, you will burn out quickly. If you accept that you have to mostly see who raised and what hands were shown down, you’ll be fine.
A game I like to play with myself is if I can write down who was the pre-flop raiser and what they showed down, I get $1 in a “fun fund.” If I get a post-flop read based on how they played the hand, I get another $1. I keep track of all these reads in a note file on my phone. I usually spend the money on something stupid, because that’s the entire point. It’s supposed to be a guilty pleasure that rewards focus.
If you can remember who the pre-flop raiser or three-better was and what hand they tabled, that will usually help you reconstruct the entire hand. You won’t notice every single tell or detail, but you’ll be in good shape.
If you ever get too tired to do this, just take a break. It’s okay to be on your cell phone for just a couple of minutes if you’re up in your head about a hand. If that four minutes away from focusing causes a pattern interrupt which helps you dial in, it’s usually worth it.
See What’s Important
Again, you’re not going to see everything. It’s impossible to see everything.
I cashed the Main Event in 2023. I watched every single hand every player played at my tables. Yet I still missed details. When I got home, I was so tired I couldn’t move from my couch for a week.
I only was able to focus that much because I was fired up for the Main Event. Most of the time, I don’t have that gear.
To make sure you’re still focusing on what’s important, try to track who is the pre-flop raiser and what hands are shown down. Also, most people fold when they miss the flop, call with pairs, call with draws, and raise two pair or better. If you see anyone deviate from that basic strategy, you need to note it.
Most people aren’t even capable of bluffs. If someone gets caught bluffing, that’s something you want to note.
When people are talking at the table, pause the music on your headphones. If they are talking about flyfishing, by all means, ignore it. However, I have no idea why people do this, but people love to talk about what tournaments they normally play, who their favorite coaches are, and so on. This can give you a good idea as to how this person is thinking in a hand.
Sleep, Diet, And Exercise to Stay Sharp
I know, I know. “No sh*t Sherlock. Eat right and get some sleep.” Well, damn it, I’m still going to say something about it.
Look, I get it. Life is hectic now. It’s hard to exercise and get enough sleep. Just make some kind of effort if you’re going to play tournament poker.
If you drink some caffeine before bed, at least make sure you get yourself to bed at a reasonable hour and make yourself lie there until you fall sleep.
Go to the gym. If you can’t get to the gym to work out, go for a walk.
If salads make you gag, at least pound some water before you play.
Block Out The Noise With Headphones
I take my headphones with me to the table, because there’s a ton of noise in cardrooms. If I’m going to stay sharp, sometimes I need to drown it out.
There are obnoxious people and trash talkers. There’s the sound of poker chips shuffling on countless tables. Sometimes people are cheering over a sporting event.
It’s not perfect to have headphones in, but it will save you on the days something is super distracting.
Dress Comfortably
If you’re freezing or overheating at the table, you’re not going to play well.
I usually don’t deviate much from jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. If the cardroom gets a little colder, the sleeves help. If it gets warmer, you can roll them up. Keep a hat or hoodie in your bag if you need even more warmth.
Drink Tea Or Coffee to Stay Sharp
You’re not going to do better than coffee or tea when it comes to sustained energy.
Those energy drinks give you a spike and then a crash. I try to stay away from them.
Get Some Electrolytes
If you’re out in the desert especially, you’re going to get dehydrated. I used to get exhausted with headaches when I was out in Vegas. Once I started making myself drink multiple electrolyte packets a day, the symptoms stopped. I was able to stay much more focused and sharp.
At the very least, try to drink more water than usual.
Prepare For Multiple Pots That Will Destroy You
It’s 2026. No one wants to fold anymore. Everyone is trying to put you on their highlight reel. At some point, one of your opponents is going to hit a hand. In all likelihood, multiple opponents will hit hands on you.
You can’t be soft. A boxer doesn’t get in the ring and cry when he gets hit. You have to take the pummeling and keep going. Stay sharp and move forward.
Conclusion:
Staying mentally strong is just as important as playing solid hands. You’ve got to stay sharp to win it all. Master these hacks, and you’ll outlast the field—mentally and physically.
Want to read more from APT Head Pro Alex Fitzgerald? Try his article about the 8 Cash Game Mistakes That Cost You Money.
