A Poker Player's Command Center

A Poker Player's Workstation This is a guide I wish someone would've made when I started playing because I would've been much richer and my wrists wouldn't be so damaged. Below is a list of products you need to get, assuming you can afford it, to protect yourself from physical strain and pain (back, wrists, legs). This is especially true if you rarely exercise and spend all day sitting at the computer.

1. Get A Real Mouse – When I said real mouse, I don't mean changing from a generic Dell mouse to a wireless optical mouse. I meant a Logitech Trackball. This will prevent your wrists from moving at awkward angles because you only use your thumb to navigate the computer. It will take a few days to get used to and once you do, you will hate those regular mice.

Also, if you are into ergonomic items, consider a vertical mouse. I bought an Evoluent vertical mouse but my hand didn't like it so I switched back to the Trackball. I don't think I can use a computer without a Trackball ever again. Below is the rankings for mouses.

2. Chair – A wise man once said, “to run a startup, you need a $40 desk, $1000 chair, and a $399 espresso machine.” You should buy whatever ergonomic chair that you can afford. If you can't afford it, eat instant noodles for a month or something. Ask anyone who owns one and they will swear by it. Any person that doesn't like his ergonomic chair definitely bought the wrong one. I understand it is expensive but it is well worth it. I own a Herman Miller Mirra and my back has been great ever since. I bought the Mirra instead of an Aeron because it has a hard back. I also don't lean back nor use the headrest when I sit. For those who enjoy leaning back and are tall and big, consider a Freedom. Herman Miller recently came out with an Embody chair and I have read great reviews. Also, the Steelcase Leap Worklounge is the granddaddy of them all. Raptor, Stinger, and RBK own them. I want to be a granddaddy too so hopefully, I can get one soon.

One important advice that everyone seem to recommend is to TEST OUT THE CHAIR AND SEAT THERE FOR A FEW HOURS BEFORE YOU BUY IT.


3. Keyboard – Get an ergonomic keyboard. I used to think all keyboards are created equal if you take away their functionality. WRONG. The shape of the keyboard is important as it allow you to position your fingers in a manner that allows normal circulation. When you type, your hands are pointed upward and this restrict your blood flow. I recently bought a Kinesis Contoured Keyboard. I should've bought one a long time ago when someone recommended it to me but $300 for a keyboard? No thanks. I finally gave in because I was writing books and my wrists weren't cooperating. I wish I bought it a few years earlier. If the Kinesis is too expensive, then try the Microsoft's ergonomic keyboard (the black one on the right below).

It took me a while to get used to the Kinesis keyboard because the shape is funny. Now, I can't even imagine typing on a regular keyboard. In fact, any time I try to type on another keyboard, it's like I am punching a bunch of rocks and my wrists scream right away.

4. Keyboard Tray – I know this sounds retarded because the only people you know who use them are secretaries. However, this is a must. My wrists have improved significantly ever since I installed one. The tray forces your arm to be lower and thus, your hands and wrists will be in a normal position. I bought a Fellowes 8036001 Premier from Amazon. The tray from 3M or Humanscale are probably good since their reputation for ergonomic products is above average. If you don't want to spend that much money on a keyboard tray, get a cheap one for $20. It is better than none. But get yourself one!
5. Footrest – I know this doesn't sound important but it does. A footrest relieves the tension on your lower back and it will help circulate blood in your legs. I have the Safco and it's great. It moves up and down so that means I get some type of leg movement. I know much but it's a big improvement from me just sitting there all day.


6. Lastly, get yourself a 30” monitor, either from Dell or Apple or whoever. At the very least, her breasts are going to look bigger on screen.


I know all this costs a lot but this will improve your productivity and winrate more than any coaching, book, training video, or mental therapy. It's not a surprise that businesses are starting to come around and offer good ergonomic products for their employees.

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