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Can Music Influence Your Poker Grind?

Music holds a profound significance in our lives, transcending cultural boundaries and connecting people on a universal level. From the rhythmic beats that move our bodies to the soul-stirring melodies that evoke deep emotions, music plays a vital role in shaping our experiences and enhancing our well-being.

One of the most remarkable aspects of music is its ability to evoke memories, serving as a powerful tool for self-expression and communication. Whether it’s a nostalgic song that transports us back in time or an uplifting melody that inspires us to persevere, music has the remarkable ability to evoke a wide range of feelings and create a sense of connection with ourselves and others.

Moreover, music has the power to influence our mood and mindset, serving as a source of comfort, motivation, and solace in times of joy or sorrow. The right song can uplift our spirits, boost our energy levels, or provide a sense of calm and relaxation, making it a valuable tool for managing stress and enhancing mental well-being.

Advantages Of Music 

Music offers a multitude of benefits for both mental and physical well-being. Some of the key advantages of music include:

1. Mood Regulation: Listening to music can help regulate mood by reducing stress hormone levels and boosting the release of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins.
2. Cognitive Enhancement: Music activates various regions of the brain, strengthening connections between different parts and improving cognitive functions such as processing speed and memory.
3. Emotional Expression: Music can elicit emotional responses, providing an outlet for expressing feelings and enhancing emotional well-being.
4. Stress Reduction: Music has the ability to decrease stress hormones, promote relaxation, and activate the body’s rest and digest response, leading to a sense of calm and well-being.
5. Memory Improvement: Enjoyable music can enhance memory and learning by helping the brain form patterns that improve retention and recall.
6. Creativity Boost: Listening to music, especially happy or uplifting tunes, can enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities, making it a valuable tool for enhancing innovative thinking.
7. Physical Health Benefits: Music therapy has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and neurological conditions, offering a safe and effective way to improve mental and physical health.

Overall, music plays a vital role in enhancing mood, reducing stress, improving cognitive performance, and promoting emotional well-being, making it a powerful tool for overall health and wellness. Research carried out by the British Academy of Sound Therapy revealed that a significant majority of 74% of individuals experienced a decrease in their stress levels following a mere 30-minute daily session of listening to instrumental music.

Just 5 minutes of listening to 528hz music significantly reduces stress

Other studies show that 528hz boosts testosterone production and lowers reactive oxygen species in the brain

Sound is an incredibly potent way to change your health pic.twitter.com/KATkQCoZgT

— Carnivore Aurelius ©🥩 ☀️🦙 (@AlpacaAurelius) February 28, 2024

Why do poker players listen to music?

Poker players often listen to music while grinding for several reasons. Firstly, music can help improve concentration and focus, essential qualities for success in poker. Studies have shown that music can enhance spatial reasoning skills, improve performance, and lower stress levels, all of which are beneficial during long poker sessions. Additionally, music can create a relaxing environment, allowing players to access knowledge and make better decisions at the tables.

Poker demands unwavering focus and mental stamina, often requiring players to grind for extended periods. However, this prolonged concentration can lead to exhaustion and lapses in focus. Just like professionals in other industries who work long hours in front of computer screens, poker players have found a solution in the form of music.

Poker playlist inspo with @KevinKleinLIVE @JayFlats and @Ali_Nejad #LAPC2023 pic.twitter.com/ppUc4Hh3Cs

— The Commerce Casino & Hotel (@CommerceCasino) February 3, 2023

When it comes to choosing the right music for poker, players often gravitate towards uplifting and positive genres with minimal vocals. House, trance, progressive, and jazz music have emerged as popular choices among poker grinders.

House music, with its repetitive four-on-the-floor beat and tempo of around 120 beats per minute, provides a steady backdrop that allows for sustained focus and concentration. Trance music, characterised by its melodic phrases and tension-building structure, has been found to improve concentration without overwhelming the listener with lyrics.

Progressive music, known for its experimental nature and non-typical song structures, is believed to decrease stress levels and promote muscle relaxation, making it an ideal choice for poker players. Jazz, with its roots in blues and ragtime, has been shown to lower stress levels and enhance emotional well-being, while also stimulating brain waves that result in better sleep quality and higher innovation.

However, not all music is created equal when it comes to poker performance. Players should avoid songs that are too fast-paced, lack a clear rhythm, or have too many lyrics, as these can prove distracting and hinder focus. The key is to choose music that enhances concentration and helps players make better decisions at the tables. 

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ALSO READ: Health Practices You Should Follow While Playing Poker Online

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We asked three poker players from the Indian poker circuit to reveal what kind of music they prefer to listen to while grinding.

Radhika Shankar

This female poker player is a music aficionado and has a vast music library which will leave you impressed. When asked about what kind of music she listens to while grinding, Shankar did not stop at giving one-two genres as her preference. She said, “I listen to Electric, Tango, French Lo-Fi, Jazz Standards, and Trip Hop. Once in a while, when I get in the mood, I blast some old school hip hop, from back in the day when I was twenty something, 20-25 years ago.”

Shankar who is fondly called ‘Pokermom’ further added, “There are days I OD on The Beatles, there is a song of theirs I don’t know all the lyrics of! I literally grew up on The Beatles, can never go wrong with them! One more type of music session I do while playing is a totally random playlist of all my favourites from my life. This list has everything from Seal to Alanis Morrisette, Chuck Berry to Michael Jackson; Morcheeba, Zero 7, Portishead, Jamiroquai and western classical.” 

Gopal Bajaj

This live and online reg is a fitness and music enthusiast and if you need proof, just take a look at his Instagram account. He plays the guitar which showcases his love for music, and it would be wrong to not have his opinion for this article. He said, “The music picks depends on my mood. I mostly hear Indian hip-hop and some odd days there is bollywood music. The days when I am distracted I listen to soundtracks by Ludwig Goransson, Greg Dombrowski, and Hans Zimmer. These help me get into the zone really quick.”

Shravan Chhabria

This established pro from the Indian circuit has been a source of inspiration for many upcoming players. When we reached out to Chhabria to know what kind of music he listened to while grinding, the pro revealed, “Coke studio, LP, some 80s Hip Hop and some Be Svendsen.”

Karan Sitlani

Karan Sitlani

The World Poker Tour (WPT) Cambodia July 2024 8 Max Survivor Bounty winner Karan Sitlani also shared with us what music he likes to listen while playing poker. The online and live poker reg said, “I listen to Ludovico Einaudi and Malte Marten all the time while grinding with Einaudi’s Experience being my utter favourite.”

Conclusion

Music has become an integral part of the poker experience, helping players maintain focus, manage stress, and optimise performance. By carefully selecting genres and songs that suit their individual preferences and needs, poker players can create a conducive environment for success at the tables. As the game continues to evolve, the role of music in enhancing poker performance is likely to become even more significant.

For more poker news and updates GutshotMagazine.com. 🎲 You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Telegram.

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