As your poker career advances, you'll find yourself playing increasingly long hours at the poker table. Staying focused and remaining comfortable becomes just as challenging as the game itself.

Playing Texas Holdem for eight hours… or often times much MORE can definitely be a physical and mental drain. So prepare your body for it, just as you would any other sport. If you don't feel good, you won't play good. That's all there is to it.

Personally, I prefer lots of exercise as a way to prepare myself for long hours at the card table. Getting that endorphin kick from a good run or session of weight lifting will increase my mental acuity as well as keep my body comfortable at the table. Exercise also serves as my "meditation" session. I go over my game plan and overall strategy as I workout. This is very energizing… and I'm usually pumped up and chomping at the bit when I finally get to sit down at the table.

In fact, I honestly believe exercising before I play poker is a big part of the competitive edge I have at the table. Because most poker players don't have the physical strength to sit at a table for long hours… they think, "Hey, it's just SITTING." But it's much more than that.

A career in poker itself makes it EXTREMELY difficult to maintain your health. Between the alcohol, cigars, and buffets, the entire lifestyle is certainly not conducive to proper nutrition and exercise. Of course, it CAN be done. You've just got to discipline yourself… the same way you do at the table.

There are other things I'll also do in preparation for those long poker sessions. Here are a few of them:

- Never start a game on an empty stomach.

- Take breaks during the game.

- Breathe. I know it sounds silly, but a few deep breaths can keep your brain more alert.

- Drink caffeine instead of alcohol. Alcohol is a downer, caffeine is an upper.

- Grab a bit to eat during the game.

Find an approach that works for you and stick to it. Mastering this aspect of poker will automatically give you an edge over your opponents.