This free poker article about the Shuffle and Breathe technique, a simple method anyone can use that can significantly improve poker results (and lot of other things too)
That's because the technique is not a game tactic, rather it is a mental approach based on the ancient art of Tai Chi and meditation.
The Shuffle Up and Breathe technique is not designed to teach you the game of poker, the strategies or its etiquette. It's designed to help you fully realize the poker skills you already have and develop the discipline to use them wisely.
Let's start with what the technique does:
First, it's important to note that having the greatest poker skills in the world will do you very little good if you can't use them when the going gets tough. As with any game, sport or profession you don't win by being an armchair theory expert! If you let your mind or emotions take over, you're locked out - you become purely a reactionary player.
The technique then is designed for balancing and controlling thought and emotion. To form a connection of mind, body and breath.
It is a fact that the mind always follows the breath. When you have a busy mind, you're breath is laboured. When your thoughts begin to slow, you regain control of your emotions and most importantly, your game.
That's why you can use the "Shuffle up and breathe" technique to:
a) Control your breathing.
b) Calm your mind
c) Before, during and after every game, or indeed, any other time in your life.
The technique will help live and focus on the present moment. Not the past or future, but right now. It's about really getting into 'the zone'.
Use it to reduce stress
A lot of life is stressful, but when you add poker games with maybe thousands of dollars at stake to the mix you can end up tired and ill. If you can reduce that stress to a level you can always handle you'll feel better and you'll play better.
Further, by using this technique, you'll become better at discovering your tells and those of others, controlling emotions, developing discipline and time and money management
All of these skills can be used at the poker table, in the office or in any meeting. Learning to stay balanced is the key to success in all areas of life, especially in poker. Consistent use of this technique will result in a clearer mind that makes clearer choices and better math and moves with a great reduction in error.
So - at last - how to do this amazing technique?
It's simple. Focus on the tip of your nose and follow your breath with all your attention. All the way in and all the way out again. You will even feel the friction of the air as it goes in and out.
It's that easy. Your mind will follow the breath and begin to instantly calm. Use this technique before, during and after every game.
Personally, I use it every time I am dealt a hand. If you practice this technique every day and you will find a dramatic increase in your skills and in the quality of your like.
Good players define Luck as the point at which skill meets opportunity. Be ready for it!
Just remember to Shuffle up and Breathe.