It is ironic, in a way, that success in the game of poker can easily hinge on a player’s health. Because it is a sedentary game, and one that for years was held in public opinion to be a game of gamblers and con men, poker and fitness are not often linked together. It is a simple reality, however, that a person can do anything better if they are in good health, and that applies to getting enough rest. Simply put, if you are too tired you should not be playing poker.

When are you better able to think clearly, when you are alert, awake, and focused, or when you are struggling to keep your eyes open and possibly battling other signs of fatigue? Naturally the first scenario is better for decision making, and decision making is what poker is all about. If you are playing tired you are likely to miss an important cue, ranging anywhere from an obvious show of strength from an opponent to blurrily looking at a board with three red cards and assuming you have a nut flush, when in reality the board is hearts and diamonds and you are out of luck.

What happens next, after you blow a decision and hurt your game when you know you shouldn’t have? Once the realization that you made a stupid mistake hits you, so does Tilt, and you now have to fight steam and sleep at the same time. Under those circumstances it is likely steam is going to win, and we all knows what happens when a player starts steaming; he makes more bad decisions. Playing tired is a ticket to a downward spiral that can be avoided by a good nights rest.

If you can’t not play when you are tired, such as in a tournament, then start chugging coffee and work on it; but if you have a choice of turning off your computer and hitting the sack, go for it. Your game will thank you.