[2Tone]

I think the stamina factor has to be considered here. Poker is a game of constant decision-making and patience, both of which inevitably deteriorate as the hours wear on. And in NL of course, hours of patience and decision-making can be wiped out by a single error/lapse in judgment. This is part of why I have such respect for the WSOP players – I don’t know how the hell your play optimally for 14 hours at a stretch, especially with that kind of money at stake.

For me personally, I find that after three hours or so, I’m best off taking a break and stretching my legs for a while. Of course, I’m a limit player, so I have a lot less to lose in any given hand.

On the flip side, I find the opposite is even worse for me – playing too short a session. On a night when the wife is going grocery shopping, I’ll cut out of work a little early, and realize I can squeeze in an hour at the local card room before I have to be home. I’ll fold garbage for a bunch of orbits in a row, look at the time, and realize I’ve got to go soon. Then I get a Q/7 suited, and think to myself, well, this is what I have to work with …. End of leaving 15 minutes later down 10 BB. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.