Playing Poker When Tired

[LiviuRo123]

Do you ever play poker when you're tired, or do you avoid it completely? I find that when I'm not 100%, I tend to make more mistakes.

 

[Dougana]

Sometimes you can not avoid it! But if you can, you should get some rest, because you can play o make really bad moves.

 

[Poison91]

Do you ever play poker when you're tired, or do you avoid it completely? I find that when I'm not 100%, I tend to make more mistakes.

I'm going to list the things that hurt your game in my opinion on a scale: bad sleep, then alcohol, and a bad streak (tilt).

 

[bremp555]

I think playing when tired is one of the biggest leaks many players don’t realize they have. For me, even if I feel “a little fine,” I notice that my patience goes down and I start forcing plays that I wouldn’t normally make. In a game like poker, where every small decision matters, that can quickly turn into losing sessions.

Personally, I try to avoid playing when I know I’m not sharp, especially in tournaments where focus is needed for several hours. If I sit down tired, I’m much more likely to bust out earlier just from one bad mistake. Cash games might give more flexibility since you can leave anytime, but even then, I find the EV is usually negative when I’m not fully rested.

I think the key is being honest with yourself about your energy level before starting. If I’m not at least 80–90% focused, I prefer to use that time for study, watching poker videos, or reviewing hands. That way, I’m still working on my game without risking my bankroll on low-quality decisions. Do you usually notice your mistakes right away when tired, or only after reviewing hands later?

 

[fernandovr]

When I’m tired, I avoid playing poker because I know my reasoning and patience are affected. Poker requires focus and mental clarity, so I prefer to rest and come back when my mind is fresh. I’ve noticed that playing while tired often leads to poor decisions and unnecessary losses.

 

[stampide]

Early it have some effect on me . But now not matter! But in any reason more better play when you feel relax and have concentration!

 

[oriole]

I always avoid playing when tired because it leads to costly mistakes.

 

[schtiuky]

I do play tired when i have o due to the hour of the tournament, but the result in not great.

 

[Natox]

Hey Liviu,
playing poker while tired negatively impacts performance due to impaired judgment, slower reaction times, increased "tilt" (emotional instability), and decreased cognitive function, leading to poor decisions and financial losses. Recognizing signs of fatigue like excessive yawning and eye-blinking, and taking breaks or ending the session, is crucial for maintaining a sharp mental state and avoiding mistakes.

Good luck,
Natox

 

[moraeskvmi]

Fatigue leads to poorer decision-making, loss of focus, impatience, and an increased risk of making costly mistakes like excessive bluffing.

 

[veszmo]

In all areas of life, being tired increases the chance of making mistakes, not just in poker.

 

[888NOX888]

Of course, you need to be rested to play poker, especially tournament poker. You need to understand and prepare yourself for the fact that a tournament can take eight hours or more, which is a full workday.

 

[rei signo]

You'll bet your chips at the wrong time and lose everything!

 

[mclay]

If I'm tired, I only play freerolls.

 

[Mantinhoo]

When you’re tired, your brain processes information more slowly, which affects your poker game, decision-making, and overall quality of play. Fatigue can make you overlook key details, misread situations, and take unnecessary risks that you’d normally avoid.

 

[scobido]

I only play free tournaments or those with the lowest buy-ins when I'm tired, that way I avoid losing my built-up bankroll.

 

[GrannySmit77]

Every time I play when I am tired I find afterwards it was a mistake. I can't focus as well, I play bad. I end up playing any suited connectors, like 2 3 suited hoping to crack aces. I get tilted and annoyed more easily and end up either missing some spots or taking some spots I shouldn't.

I find that, in order to optimize your poker session you should make sure you've eaten well, that you're rested and that you're up for playing your poker session.
Whether it's a 3-4 hours cash game or 8-9 hours for a tournament all those small details give you an edge over other players.
Otherwise you lose money. Even though that's part of the learning experience also.