I get the question a lot: how do I study poker? You probably put some effort into it now, but is it as fully focused as it could be? Here is some advice on getting the most out of your poker studying.

Play vs. Study

Take a step back. Look at how much time in total you have to commit to poker each month. Decide on a split between playing poker and studying poker. Don't worry about finding the ideal split. Just choose something, and go with it. Then, next month try a different split. If you play with it for a few months (as well as the study activities themselves), you'll get a feel for what works best. This will vary over time anyway.

In the past, I spent far more time playing than studying (90% vs 10%), since it felt more fun. Then, I shifted to something like 70/30, and my game really started accelerating. Something close to 60/40 works best for me now. Actually as you contribute more time to studying, you also get better at it, which means on one level you're more efficient (e.g. with session reviews) and on another you come up with more methods and ideas for improving.

Prioritize your Activities

Brainstorm a list: session reviews, videos, coaching, forums, peer sweats, db stats, books. Keep going, and go deeper. Videos: checking the schedule, watching pros, making a video, loading your ipod, swapping favorites with peers. Get creative. (And please share your own in the comments!)

Next, sort your list by what you think will be most useful. (Hint: put session reviews at the top.) Ensure you have a healthy variety. You want a mix of internal (studying yourself) and external (learning from other.

Estimate how much time these activities will take, and choose the top items off your list that will fit into your allotted time for the month. Even create a schedule if you want.

Finally, execute!

Take Notes

I can't stress enough the importance of note-taking. You want your studying efforts to be as efficient and effective as possible. To truly instil a concept, it takes repetition. You could spend 5 hours watching and rewatching a video, or you could capture the key points on paper the first time, and review your notes far more quickly. Repeating mistakes at the table costs you money. Do it in your head instead.

I'm super anal about it. I keep a notepad file with today's date on my desktop that I'm adding to throughout the day. I also have a little notebook on me at all times that I jot things down in. I transfer all of these into a big "monthly notes" document that's categorized, has key points bolded, and is roughly prioritized with the big stuff at the top. Then I print these out, fold them up into my pocket, and walk around with them. So I'm constantly reviewing last month's notes, and capturing the next.

Be Flexible

What's nice about having a list is that you can match an activity to your mood or environment. Maybe it's the end of a long session, and you don't have the mental energy (or emotional detachment) to review your session. Pop in a vid, and kick back on the couch.

Print stuff out. Load your ipod or e-reader. Take it outside - to the park, coffee shop, or on a jog. If you prepare enough, then study time can even happen in line at the bank or grocery store.

The Four Great Efforts

I'll finish by relating a technique taken from the Buddha that might help with your study efforts. He offered these 4 "Great efforts" for pursuing enlightenment, though he admitted they really could be used for anything. So why not poker? Beware they are deceivingly simple yet exceedingly useful.

1. Prevent unskillful or unwise states or processes (e.g. thoughts, actions, states of mind) from arising.
2. Let go of unskillful or unwise states or processes that have already arisen.
3. Foster the growth of new skillful and wise states or processes.
4. Guard those skilful and wise states and processes that have arisen.

Peace.