The Zone

By Lilli Kirby

The Psychology of Optimal Experience, “The Zone” is defined as a self-surpassing dimension of human experience that is recognized by people the world over, regardless of culture, gender, race, or nationality. Its characteristics include deep concentration, highly efficient performance, emotional buoyancy, a heightened sense of mastery, a lack of self-consciousness, and self-transcendence. Is also referred to as "flow.” Today's athlete calls it being in "the zone."

 They say wisdom comes in moments.  For poker the moment they speak of is when you are sitting pleasantly in that place they call “the zone.” The zone…that comfortable place where all seems right with the world, where, for every action - you choose the correct reaction.   I can find the zone when I am ultra focused, when my body is perfectly comfortable, when my mind is free from distraction.  It is a pleasant, all-consuming mental state, or mind out of body experience.  In the zone, stillness and silence is a prominent trait.  If someone speaks to me I can only muster a smile.  My ipod and sunglasses are my most important possessions to get there and stay there. It is that place you go where sight becomes acute, where you can look down to find a 10-4 off suit and know they are going to win and you will be correct.

My very first encounter with the Zone was 14 years ago.  I was sitting at Commerce Casino exhausted from watching my then boyfriend play for over 16 hours.  My body was exhausted, yet my mind was free and clear.  Suddenly the world snapped into perfect clarity.  Everything seemed to take on a distinct rhythm.  I could feel actions and reactions happening almost simultaneously.  I began to accurately predict player’s actions and reactions.  More precisely, I just knew what people held in their hand, what actions they would make and what cards would win.  It was amazing -- like bridging another dimension.  This went on for an hour or so before the energy changed and I was left mortal again.  But, I was hooked.

So how do you find the road to the Zone?  For me daily preparation is important.  I try to eat well (mostly vegetarian, high protein), exercise, rest, and practice mental concentration in other games like chess and backgammon.  Spending time in complete quiet, almost in a meditative state, is important, especially before playing a tournament.  I also prepare by watching televised poker.  Not to learn how to play, but to test my intuitive abilities regarding the players I’m watching.  Putting my zone preparedness ritual into practice is critical to my winning sessions.

Here are some steps I recommend to snap into the Zone.  When you get to the table try to relax and get comfortable.  Force yourself to slow down and take a couple of deep breaths.  Wear comfortable clothing, especially shoes.  Mentally plan and prepare yourself to survive a long tournament.  Find other ways to increase your comfort such as with sunglasses, a hat, ipod, and support cushions.  Adjust the height of the chair.  For maximum comfort at the table, if the players are sitting too close to you, ask the dealer to “square the table.”  And most importantly, relax!  Being too anxious is death to a poker player.  Try and wait a little while before jumping in and making moves.  Focus on each player at your table.  First get familiar with each one and watch them.  Someone once described this to me as “getting inside their energy.”  By the time you pick up that critical first hand you choose to play, you will be prepared.  And winning that first hand is also a critical step to a winning session.  It sets you up for a positive attitude, and allows everyone at the table to see you win.  This subconscious label, or table image will do you wonders in future hands.  Also, be in the moment, or above the moment.  Expanding you awareness is the very door to the Zone.

Now that you are physically comfortable, calming your mind is the next critical step.  Turn on your ipod or MP3 player.  Soft music calms me down, while fast music makes me aggressive.  I set the song selection for what I need to do at any given stage of my game.  Concentrate on being still and quiet.  One friend of mine says to try and feel like a ghost, unnoticeable, but feared.

When you look at your cards, go with hunches.  Soon rhythm will become noticeable. Suddenly you are there, in the Zone, knowing what to do even before it happens --  creating winning outcomes!