For many poker players concentration can be a major obstacle. Face it, poker can be extremely boring at times. Fortunately, there is a simple way to keep your mind sharp: Caffeine.

The effects of caffeine have been known for many years; increased energy, alertness, and focus. However, there is a strong debate over the side effects of caffeine, and if they outweigh the rewards.

In a study done in March 1999, French scientist Astrid Nehlig found:

At doses of one to three cups of coffee a day, a fairly typical consumption for Americans, caffeine has no affect on the area of the brain involved with addiction, dependence and reward, claims Astrid Nehlig, Ph.D., research director at the Strasbourg, France, laboratory of INSERM, the French National Health and Medical Research Institute.

At higher quantities there were signs of addiction, but at these levels the benefits of caffeine would diminish, replaced by negative side effects such as anxiety, depression, and headaches.

What does all this mean for poker players? Basically, if you are having trouble focusing or staying awake a cup of Joe might be just what the doctor ordered; just don't drink an extra large with a shot of espresso!

If anyone wants a load of info on caffeine I will happilly source it.

I'm a literal caffiene addict so no problem there.

a healthy diet consisting of fruits and veggies would be a much better option

Originally Posted by MJPerry

I'm a literal caffiene addict so no problem there.

Same......physically addicted. I get headaches, anxiety, etc.

I was for a while (addicted to caffeine), but I found slowly cutting back did the trick.

I used to drink a large coffee in the morning, have about 3-6 cans coke throughout the day, and never turn down another coffee here and there. This is in addition to a 200mg caffeine supplement I took for workouts.

Now i drink a coffee in the AM (sometimes 2) and one at around 6 or 7 PM. I switched soda to 7Up, although I still drink 1 coke or pepsi per day.

I still have heavy caffeine days, but they are few and far between, and I really don't get cravings. I think spacing out my caffeine intake really helps with that.

Myadvice for the addicts is to cut out soda first (or switch to caffeine free soda). after that you can slowly pare down your coffee consumption.

How do you guys have your caffeine? Out of interest.

I used to work at a coffee shop at Uni, 06.30-11.30 hours. I'd get free Coke, coffee and Red Bull.

In addition the garage near my place was selling 2l bottles of Coke at 2 for £2. I worked out at one point that I had more Coke in my body than blood.

Originally Posted by MJPerry

I used to work at a coffee shop at Uni, 06.30-11.30 hours. I'd get free Coke, coffee and Red Bull.

In addition the garage near my place was selling 2l bottles of Coke at 2 for £2. I worked out at one point that I had more Coke in my body than blood.

Free Redbull? Oh man I would probably overdose.....

a relatively healthy lifestyle would be much better advice imo