Every poker session you have is going to be unique. You’ll get in familiar situations, but how you react is going to rely on a lot of factors. Not all of them are related to poker.

Here is a list of 4 things that will affect the way you play before you even sit down.

1. Your mood
When you get to the casino to play poker, the mood you arrive in is important. Being relaxed with a clear mind is important for making proper decisions at the table. If you just had an argument and you are steaming, sitting down to play poker is likely a losing proposition.

2. How much time you have
When you are heading to the poker table, always try to arrive early enough so that you can play until you are ready to leave rather than being forced to leave because of the time on the clock. If you have only a limited amount of time you may be compelled to play mediocre hands in an effort to see action before it’s time to leave.

3. The stakes
Having a bankroll to match the stakes you are playing is important. Even though you may be perfectly comfortable with the skill level of the players at a certain level, if the limits are higher than your bankroll dictates, you may find yourself laying down a higher percentage of winning hands by playing too cautiously.

4. Your health
While you may not need to do any heavy lifting at the poker table, if you are battling a cold, you are going to have a harder time thinking clearly. You need to be clear and focused to play your A-game. If you aren’t feeling well, take the day off and rest up.

Keep this list in mind before you head to the casino. It could mean the difference between a winning and losing session.

Cash Game Play, General