Whether you play poker professionally or as a hobby, it can easily become a significant time commitment. There are other fields that demand a similar level of energy, but poker has its own unique challenges. Last week, I discussed the mental strain of downswings and how, despite the difficulty, they can sometimes serve as an opportunity for growth (though that’s definitely easier said than done).
Poker is a game that never really stops—whether you’re playing or studying. There’s always another game to join, whether it’s online or in a live environment. When it comes to study, no matter how many hours you dedicate, you’ll never be fully versed in all the nuances of solvers. There’s always another aspect to explore. If you let it, poker can take up a lot more of your time than you might realize.
And let’s not forget the financial risk involved. Battling for significant sums of money doesn’t just take a toll on your free time—it also tests your mental fortitude. That’s why poker can feel more draining than other pursuits, like chess.
Chess vs. Poker: The Burnout Dilemma
Yes, chess players can burn out too, but poker-tilt is often far more expensive.
In chess, you can spend hours studying a game or playing match after match, but at the end of the day, if you lose, it’s only your ego that’s bruised, not your wallet. In poker, the potential pain is limitless.
Given the unique combination of stresses and potential rewards poker offers, it’s no surprise that burnout is such a real risk in this game. It’s why many players dip in and out of poker over the years. So how can you avoid it?
Keep Your Tank Topped Up
Over the years, I’ve received plenty of advice on managing burnout, and I’ve created my own approach to managing my workload. I refer to my capacity to play as my “poker tank,” and I’ve gotten much better at recognizing when it’s running low. Unfortunately, no matter how much I want to, I can’t do everything in poker.
I’m lucky enough to spend much of my time creating poker content, attending live events, and streaming my gameplay. But the last thing I want is to resent the game that’s given me my dream job. When I first started, I tried to play and study non-stop, juggling that with my other responsibilities. But that was unrealistic. My tank emptied too quickly, and something had to give.
That’s why, a while ago, I made a conscious decision: I won’t play poker unless it pertains to content creation, and I’ve scaled back my study time considerably. Sure, I still review hands with friends to stay sharp, but my days of tirelessly grinding solvers late into the night are behind me. While some might argue this limits my potential earnings, I believe this choice actually helps preserve my energy and passion for the game. Without those, I wouldn’t be able to play, let alone enjoy myself or make money doing so.
It’s a Game—Enjoy It
Even though my situation might be unique, every player has their own “poker tank.” Even the most resilient players can hit their limit after a stretch of tough results.
There’s nothing worse than battling burnout and playing against your own instincts. Sometimes, you simply need a break—or at least a reduction in the intensity. The mental, physical, and financial toll of pushing through can make the tables feel like a burden, or even make you want to quit altogether.
Poker has so much to offer, but it’s easy to overextend yourself. The passion you have for the game can drive you to take on too much, but it’s crucial not to burn that passion out. My advice is simple: make sure you’re enjoying the game. When you’re enjoying yourself, you’re more likely to play your best—and, importantly, keep the flame of your initial passion alive. Reflect on what aspects of poker matter most to you, and be realistic about what you can handle.
And most importantly: keep an eye on your tank.
