When you hop onto your laptop or desktop to play poker online, there are a bevy of other activities that can distract you from playing your best game and even cause you to become a perennial loser. Maintaining your focus when you’re seated at the virtual felts is of the utmost importance. Lose your concentration and your bankroll won’t be far behind. When competition on sites like PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker is at an all-time high, you can’t afford to sacrifice your edge. Here are some of the traps to avoid falling into:

1. Instant Messaging Programs – Chances are use more than one of the popular IM programs like AOL Instant Messenger, MSN, Yahoo, and Skype. These are a great way to keep in touch with friends and discuss hands at the end of the night. However, while you’re playing, they can ultimately be a distraction. I can’t tell you the number of times that I’ve had an Instant Message disrupted by a poker table flashing to the front of my screen. It’s a trap that I’ve fallen into multiple times and am confident you will as well. The solution is simply to turn those chat programs off when you play. Take notes about what hands should be discussed later and then hop on AIM when the tournament has wrapped up. While you’re playing, it’s important to avoid them entirely.
2. Cell Phones – When you’re playing poker, especially if you’re playing as a professional, treat it like it’s your job. You wouldn’t stand up in the middle of a meeting to answer a call or walk out of an important presentation because your friend called, would you? Just because you’re sitting on your couch doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take things seriously. You’re still competing in a money-making activity. The issue is that when you answer calls, you take your focus away from the game, whether it is for a few seconds or a few hours. It’s not likely that you’ll be able to switch effectively in and out of “game mode” in between calls from your friends berating your play or your opponents’.
3. The Internet – When you work with computers all day, the urge to surf the web can consume your day. Is my fantasy football player still injured? Is it supposed to rain tomorrow? How is my friend doing in the Sunday Million? Did I win Powerball? It’s all about paying attention to your own game. As considerate as it may be to care about your friend’s performance, it’s more important to pay attention to your own. When you’re playing poker, cut off all communication with the outside world. Become a hermit. As you become accustomed to playing and certain actions become more automatic, feel free to become more social.
4. Damage Control – When your aces get beaten by 3-6 suited on Party Poker, keep your cool. Maintaining your focus involves keeping your cool. It’s important to let beats and other setbacks roll off your back. Without utilizing proper damage control, the odds of you ever becoming a successful poker player are extremely slim. Similarly, it’s important not to become over-aggressive. Don’t maintain a vendetta against another player at the table. Instead, maintain your cool and keep your emotions under wraps. Check out some of the other articles on PokerBonuses.com for more details.
5. Inebriation – Playing while intoxicated is never a good idea. Your ability to reason dramatically decreases and, odds are, your likelihood of tilting is dramatically increased. It’s important to lay off the alcohol while you play. Make sure that you resist the urge and play sober. It should be noted that some sites offer ways for you to prevent yourself from playing during certain days of the week or times of the day. See what your favorite online poker room has to offer. It’s one way to maintain your focus when you play.