Ergonomics and Online Poker Success go Hand in Hand

Get Comfy: Experience the effects of ergonomy on poker earnings.

When we think of poker strategies and earnings, economics come quickly to mind. But did you ever consider the ergonomics of poker? Anyone who’s played in a long tournament has surely experienced the impact of discomfort. Sitting in one position for any extended period of time can cause undue stress, both physically and mentally.

For those who aren’t familiar with the term, ergonomics deals with “the study of people’s efficiency in their work environment”. For professional online poker players, their work environment generally consists of a chair and desk riddled with computer equipment.

A multitude of businesses all over the world whose employees work in an office environment have begun looking to ergonomics to increase production, health, and morale. Online poker grinders would do well to consider this, too, as the impact of poor ergonomics can take a severe toll on earnings.

Effects of Ergonomy on Poker Earnings

To successfully multi-table a series of cash games and/or tournaments, you must be able to concentrate. Your full attention is required to keep up with all of the action, across all of the tables you have open. If you’re losing focus, even for just a moment, due to an uncomfortable seating arrangement, your bankroll will suffer for it.

It’s not just a matter of discomfort, either. Studies have shown that the human body is ill-equipped to remain in a seated position for such long periods of time. A plethora of physical conditions can arise from working in a chair, on a computer, hour after hour, day after day. We’re talking about cardiovascular disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injuries, tendinitis, nerve impingement, ganglion cysts, the list goes on.

Good ergonomics aren’t just necessary to maintain your focus on ROI, but to sustain a long and healthy life with optimal mobility.

Creating an Ergonomic Workspace for Online Poker

There are many aspects to take into account when setting up an ergonomic workspace. We’ll take a close look at each of these, and how to properly set them up for optimal health and comfort.

Monitors

As an avid grinder, you probably have multiple, moderate-size, flat-screen computer monitors lining the back of your desk. If not, you should probably invest in some. Most pros have a trio of 19”-32” monitors to support easy viewing of up to 12 active tables at once. A screen size of 24”-27” is recommended to reduce neck and eye strain.

Your monitor should also be able support high resolution to reduce eye strain. A minimum 1920×1080 resolution is recommended for monitors of 19” and up. You should be able to easily read all information on all tables without squinting or craning your neck for a closer view.

Placement of these monitors is also important. Generally speaking, the top of the monitor should be at eye level. You do not want to strain your neck to look up, or too far down. Most monitors come on stands that are easily height-adjustable. If you cannot adjust the monitor to the appropriate height, you can either invest in something better, or get creative; use something simple like books, boxes, or lumber to raise them up.

Adjustable Desk

Having an adjustable, sitting/standing desk is extremely beneficial when working on a computer. However, you’ll also need to raise up those monitors, so those cool VariDesk and AirRise Pro set-ups probably aren’t the way to go. Instead, you’ll save a lot of money by purchasing an adjustable desk in which the legs can be easily lowered or raised to match your seated and standing height requirements.

You should not be sitting or standing for any extended period of time. It’s recommended to adjust from sitting to standing, and vice versa, once every 1-2 hours. Studies show working on a computer while standing actually benefits your concentration skills, so do not neglect this aspect of poker ergonomics!

Hardware

You mouse and keyboard are your gateway to the online poker felt. For maximum comfort, these items should be at a height equal to your elbows, ensuring that your shoulders are able to relax.

So many keyboards have pegs in the back that allow you to adjust the keyboard to lean towards you. It might seem sensible, but that’s a primary cause of nerve compression. Instead, the keyboard should be tilted slightly away from you. Do not use a wrist pad or any other supports, either, as they promote the same issues.

An ergonomic gaming mouse is also recommended. They fit easily within your hand, and come with additional buttons that can be programmed as hot keys to perform basic tasks that would normally require use of the keyboard, such as switching between active monitors.

Chair

Of equal importance is your chair selection. Any old office chair won’t provide the type of comfort and adaptability you require to spend hours at the computer. Make sure you choose a chair that is very comfortable and spacious enough to allow you to adjust into several comfortable positions without slouching.

Take Breaks

Last but not least, the effects of good ergonomy on poker earnings will be all the more apparent if you allow yourself time for breaks. Stop for at least 15 minutes every few hours, and make sure you move around during this time. A quick run on a treadmill, or taking the dog for a walk, will do wonders for your overall health and mobility, as well as increasing oxygen and blood flow, which in turn increases brain function and the ability to concentrate.