Poker players need to stay sharp and focused for extended periods of time. Although mental stamina and endurance are extremely important for success, many players underestimate the critical importance of a healthy mind and the power of inner calm. If you don’t look after your mind and body, you run the risk of making unforced errors, creating opportunities for your opponents that a razor-sharp focus could otherwise prevent.

The benefits of mindfulness and breathing techniques extend to all types of online casino games, making it worth your while to try them out and find out which techniques work best for you. To give yourself the best chance of winning, consider the following nine mindfulness techniques and breathing exercises, all of which will help to keep your mind clear and give you the confidence you need to beat your toughest opponents.

1. Live in the Moment

The primary objectives of mindfulness are to be present for each passing second and to remain aware of all the elements that contribute to your perception of reality. It takes practice and dedication to hone your focus and alertness, so don’t give up if you find being present difficult at first!

When you’re learning how to play poker, no one expects you to win every round. Similarly, you can’t become a master of mindfulness overnight. Give yourself time to develop the skills and thought processes you need. You should also avoid comparing your progress to others around you because every player’s journey will be unique. It doesn’t really matter how long it takes to get the hang of things — it’s attention and intention that matter.

2. The Three Cs of Mindfulness

If you want to be a mindful poker player, you have to stay cool, calm and collected at all times. You can’t be present in the moment if you’re letting your emotions lead the way, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your feelings. After all, instinct and intuition are powerful tools when used correctly.

The best way to avoid being at the mercy of your emotions is to acknowledge them. Most newcomers play from a place of anxiety, fear and other negative emotions, but it’s worth remembering that happiness and excitement can affect your gameplay just as much. The key is to learn to regulate your thought patterns, which is a lot easier when you can control your reactions, impulses and breathing.

3. Pay Attention to Your Pulse

In a high-pressure live poker tournament, the easiest way to calm a racing mind is to take deep breaths at regular intervals. Ideally, you want to use your lungs and diaphragm as much as possible, ensuring that your brain gets all the oxygen it needs to keep your performance level stable and maintain an adaptable perspective.

Your pulse is a useful indicator of your state of mind. A rapid pulse is something you definitely want to avoid. Slow, deep breaths are great for lowering your heart rate, while short and quick breaths, also known as bellows breathing, help to increase lung capacity and prepare your psyche for competition.

4. Use Anchoring To Improve Your Concentration

Online poker is a highly accessible format. That doesn’t mean it’s easy to become a masterful player. If you struggle to remain focused at the poker table, consider using anchors as concentration aids. Some players count off their breaths with a rhythm, for example, which leads to a steady breathing pace when under pressure.

When you’re starting out, practice for a few minutes every day to find an anchoring system that suits your way of thinking. Finding a happy place, counting sheep or timing your breathing all allow you to concentrate and remain in control.

5. Tune Out Distractions

Distractions and intrusive thoughts can lead to missed opportunities. Gameplay in a typical game of poker progresses a lot more smoothly if you can tune out unnecessary disturbances. Even a minor distraction can be enough to throw off your game, especially if it occurs during a crucial moment in the game.

The best online poker sites keep distractions to a bare minimum, but they have no control over the environment you decide to play in. It’s up to you to find a suitable setting where you can play comfortably and avoid unnecessary stimulation.

6. Accept the Randomness of Games of Chance

If you’re considering a professional poker career, bear in mind that the lifestyle of a poker pro is better suited to some personalities than others. The absence of a steady income and the pressure of major tournaments aren’t for the faint of heart. What’s more, you have to accept that losing is always a possibility in casino table games.

The odds-based outcomes of live dealer casino games such as online poker offer no guarantees. There’s no such thing as a sure bet. You have to accept the nature of the game and play accordingly, using the lack of certainty as a strength rather than a weakness.

7. Visualizations

Whether you’re playing poker games online or in person, sometimes the very thought of it can be quite overwhelming. Visualizing your ideal game strategy and outcome is a mindfulness technique you can use to put yourself at ease. Before your game, simply close your eyes and create detailed images in your head of how you would like things to pan out. This poker mind preparation tip is not only good for calming you down but also for giving you a much-needed confidence boost!

8. Counting Your Breaths

This is a popular breathing technique that requires you to spend some time with yourself and take deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling while counting up to 10. This can improve concentration and train your mind to focus on the now. It’s a very useful breathing strategy, especially if you’re someone who is easily distracted.

9. Meditation Breaks

Taking mini-meditation breaks during your poker marathon, especially if you’re at a tournament, could go a long way to your focus. Find a way to incorporate meditation poker techniques into your gameplay, which often means taking a few deep breaths while playing as a way to center yourself and gather your thoughts. If you’re new to community poker games, i.e., you’re still learning how to play Omaha poker or Texas Hold’em, then the environment could be daunting and taking mini-meditation breaks will force you to be more present and remain calm.

Practice Your Techniques With Borgata Online

When it comes to poker and other casino games, outplaying your opponent is the name of the game! But you can only do so if you’re in the right state of mind and are able to think clearly about how to counter your opponents’ strategic moves. Practicing these mindfulness and breathing techniques can help you do just that.

Playing live online poker tournaments with friends might help your confidence early on, but eventually, you’ll come to realize that the nature of the game requires every player to first and foremost look out for themselves. At the end of the day, poker is an individual sport and it’s worth repeating that every player has their own mental battles to fight and win. 

Register with Borgata Online to familiarize yourself with poker tournament rules, discover strategies for various casino games, test your skills, grow your poker prowess and perfect your techniques.