5 Games to Play When Resting From Poker

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If you’re a professional poker player or even a casual who’s fairly serious about the game, you’re likely putting in a decent number of hours playing Texas Hold’em online. It’s really the only way to beat the variance and come out ahead, no matter your skill level.

As entertaining and exciting as poker might be, it's also a very tasking and mentally draining game. Taking breaks and having some downtime is mandatory if you don't want to burn out.

One of the biggest questions is, what to do when resting from poker?

There isn't a one-fit-all answer to this question, of course, but getting involved with a different game for a little while could be a good idea. So, in this article, we'll cover five ideas for the games you might want to take up during your downtime to give your brain time to reset but still stay fairly active and engaged.

FIFA Online

Admittedly, this won’t be everyone’s first choice. However, football (or soccer, whatever you prefer to call it) is a pretty popular pastime worldwide. So, if this happens to be another passion of yours besides poker, taking up FIFA Online might be an interesting idea.

FIFA 20 Seasons mode will enable you to play online in divisions, allowing promotion to higher leagues with the ability to win the league title (something Spurs is a long way off at the moment, but that you can do online).

This mode also offers one-off tournaments or playoff tournaments to keep the competitive juices flowing. It will take your mind off poker, but it will keep your passion for winning burning, which will be useful when you do come back to the felt.

Online Slots and Casino Games

If we’re being completely honest, most poker players enjoy an occasional gamble as well, and these days there are hundreds of Online Casinos available around the clock.

These sites offer a wide range of games, and you won't have to break the bank to play. From video slots to table games such as baccarat and blackjack, you can find something after your own taste and play at the level you’re comfortable with.

Just like anything else, do your research and find the games that are best for you. Whether you’re playing casino games or betting on your favorite football team, make sure you’re not spending more than you can afford.

This will give you a break you need and help reset your brain without creating additional problems to preoccupy you. The goal is to have fun and rest, not create additional stress.

Rummy

As a poker player, you probably enjoy card games in general. If you happen to have a friend or two who share the same passion, you’ll likely enjoy sitting down with them for a few rounds of the rummy game.

Much like poker, the game entails certain skill elements, and the winner isn't determined by luck alone.

So, you'll still get to use your mathematical skills but in a completely different setting. It won't just help you rest, but it might boost your poker playing abilities as well.

The great thing about this game is that it can be played by anywhere from two to eight players, and it's equally as entertaining. Whether you have a big social circle or just a couple of friends who like playing cards, you can get a fun game going.

Brain Games

Brain games, such as chess, puzzles, Sudoku, and scrabble, are all available online and can be played for as long as you want. Most of the platforms are free, and you can choose the brain game that works for you.

There is also a great selection of brain teasers available. These games will not only serve to keep you entertained, but they have proved beneficial for your memory and brain function improvements.

Granted, some of these are more challenging than others, so it’s really up to you to figure out what to go for.

Chess, for example, will take a while to learn, and no matter how much you study, there is more to discover. If you’re someone who enjoys a good challenge, this is definitely a great pick, though, as there are always new challenges to overcome in this game.

On the other hand, if you don't have the time or the will for all that, simply break out some puzzles (live or online) and get busy. It's entertaining, you can find the challenge level you're happy with, and it will keep those brain juices flowing.

Solitaire

If none of these options seem appealing to you and you don’t feel like hanging around people, the solitaire card game is another great choice. Break out a pack of cards and see how you do playing against yourself and Lady Luck.

While solitaire might not be the most exciting game there is, it can be quite entertaining once you fall in love with it. Rules are simple, and you can play it whenever and wherever you like, so there are very few downsides.

The best part is, no matter how many games you play, every new setup presents a new challenge. So, you'll keep your mind busy and entertained and, most importantly, focusing on something other than poker.

Of course, these are just a few options that are available to you. There are many other games that will accomplish the same goal. The most important thing is for you to find one or two that you like and enjoy.

As fun as it is, poker is a draining game at times, and you need to have something that helps distract your mind. You're not doing yourself any favors focusing on the most recent bad beat or poker cooler. So, instead of that, find a different game you enjoy to provide some much-needed rest for your mind!