Playing poker on MPL Poker isn’t just about knowing the game – it’s also about staying calm, focused, and in control, especially during long sessions. The excitement of winning and climbing the leaderboards is great, but to keep doing well, you need to look after your mental game too.
MPL Poker is known for its exciting promotions and leaderboards that reward regular players. But with all that competition, it’s easy to feel the pressure. That’s why building mental resilience – the ability to stay steady and sharp – is so important.
Here are seven easy strategies to help you stay mentally strong and play your best, even when things get tough:
Tilt, the poker player’s rival, is an emotional state of frustration or anger that leads to sub-optimal play. Recognising the early signs of tilt is crucial. Are you becoming overly aggressive, making impulsive calls, or feeling a surge of irritation after a bad beat?
For example: If you experience a bad beat with pocket Aces, say, losing a ₹2,000 pot to a recreational player who chased an improbable flush, take a deep breath, push away from the table for a minute, and remind yourself that variance is a part of the game.
Long sessions can lead to mental fatigue and errors when making decisions. Just as a physical athlete needs rest, your brain requires breaks to maintain peak performance.
For example: After every hour of play or after a particularly intense hand, step away from your device for 5-10 minutes. Stretch, grab a glass of water, or simply look away from the screen. This brief disengagement can significantly improve your focus for the next stretch.
Your performance at the tables is directly linked to your well-being away from them. A healthy body and mind are foundational for sustained success in poker. Prioritise sleep, nutrition, and physical activity to enhance cognitive function and emotional stability.
For example: Try to get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Instead of sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks during the sessions, opt for water and fruits. Regular exercise, even a 30-minute walk, can significantly reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
Unrealistic expectations can be a major source of frustration and tilt. Poker involves variation, and when you experience downswings, focus on process-oriented goals rather than solely outcome-based ones.
For example: Instead of aiming to win ₹5,000 in a session, focus on playing your A-game, making optimal decisions, and sticking to your strategy. This shift in focus reduces the emotional impact of short-term losses.
ALSO READ: MPL Poker Mastery: Best Options On How To Deal With Tilt
Every hand, win or lose, offers a learning opportunity. Dwelling on mistakes without analysis can hinder progress and contribute to negative emotional states. Objectively review your played hands to identify leaks and improve your decision-making.
For example: After a session where you lost a significant ₹1,500 pot, use a hand replayer to analyse your play. Did you make the correct call? Was your bet sizing optimal? Learning from these moments is key to long-term growth.
Playing beyond your financial means is a surefire way to increase your stress and anxiety, leading to poor decisions. Stick to a clear bankroll plan to help reduce stress and stay calm during the winning and losing streaks.
For example: If you are playing cash games, try to keep your bankroll at least 20 to 30 times bigger than your highest buy-in. For example, for ₹10/₹20 games, having around ₹40,000 is a smart and safe starting point.
See setbacks and challenges as chances to learn and grow, not as things that can’t be overcome. Trust that you can get better by learning from both your wins and your mistakes.
For example: If you experience an extended losing streak that costs you ₹10,000, instead of becoming discouraged, view it as a period of intense learning. Analyse what went wrong, adapt your strategy, and trust that your skills will prevail in the long run.
Staying mentally strong in online poker takes time and effort. But by following these simple steps, you will not only play better but also enjoy the game more. By integrating these strategies into your MPL Poker routine, you will not only enhance your performance and increase your chances of climbing those lucrative leaderboards, but also cultivate a more enjoyable and sustainable poker experience.
Ready to put your mental game to the test and embark on a rewarding poker journey? Download and register on the MPL Poker app today and start building your mental resilience on the tables.
Rajashree is part of the business team at Gutshot Magazine, where she manages client relationships and strategizes promotional activities to maximize impact. She also contributes with articles on poker promotions, leveraging her expertise in audience engagement. When not brainstorming new ideas, you’ll likely find her quietly honing her calligraphy skills.
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