Poker and music. You’d think they don’t mix well, but many poker players have a playlist for grinding long sessions. The right track can help with rhythm, focus, and even tilt control. Preferences vary, but a few trends pop up consistently among professionals and streamers.
Keep the Lyrics Low
BlackRain79, a proven grinder with years of experience, says about 90% of the players he knows stick to electronic genres like trance, house, or progressive electronic. These types of music usually have minimal vocals. The appeal? They’re upbeat enough to maintain energy without taking over your thoughts. Lyrics tend to distract, especially when the stakes are high.
BlackRain79, for instance, likes hip-hop but avoids it during games because of the dense lyrics. The same goes for jazz, country, and classical—genres he finds more distracting than helpful when deep in a hand.
Volume vs. Focus: Headphones at the Table
Some players use music to cancel out noise from the table—shuffling chips, loud conversations, or tournament buzz. Others say music helps them build a mental boundary, especially when playing long online sessions.
For example, grinders who play poker online listen to deep house or an ambient playlist that loop for hours. Meanwhile, live players might prefer noise-isolating headphones with low-volume lo-fi beats. There are also players who toggle music on and off, depending on the stage of the game. Music choices can shift between calming and intense, like switching from Bonobo to deadmau5.
Loops, Beats, and Background Sounds
Smooth, rhythmic music seems to do the trick. Think Armin Van Buuren, Ben Gold, Above & Beyond. These artists are staples for players looking for long instrumental sections that don’t pull attention away from the game.
Ambient instrumentals also have their supporters. Background scores from film soundtracks or albums from the Vitamin String Quartet are common among live and online players alike.
Genre Picks from Big Names
Lex Veldhuis, a streamer known for his fast-paced table talk, mixes his music based on his mental state. During calm stretches, he might queue up deep house. When he wants to lock in, metal or hip-hop gets the job done.
Ben Spragg, known as Spraggy online, leans more toward indie British rock. Oasis and Liam Gallagher top his playlists. He also plays film soundtracks, including tracks from “Drive,” depending on the vibe at the table.
Sometimes Rap, Sometimes Rock
Not all players follow the “no vocals” preference. Forums like CardsChat show regular players listening to everything from Nas to Zeppelin. Some even say rap helps keep them sharp and confident. Soft rock seems more popular than aggressive or heavy metal, likely because of its relaxing pace.
Rock isn’t fully out for pros, either. One frequent mix includes AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, or bands like Jefferson Airplane when the session allows for a bit more energy.
Sounds That Don’t Get in the Way
Classical music ranks high on quiet days. Players often return to safe bets like Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” or Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.”
Jazz sits in a strange middle. It’s liked by some but too wandering for others. Artists like Coltrane or Miles Davis show up on some playlists, especially for players who already enjoy jazz outside of poker.
Game Mood Dictates Music Mood
Some players build playlists that change as their session runs. Doing well? Increase the tempo. Tilt showing up? Drop into lo-fi. One minute, it’s Bonobo, the next it’s deadmau5 if the tilt is creeping in.
Familiar songs also help. New tracks make your brain work harder. Familiar melodies let you stay consistent. This is one reason why you’ll hear the same song multiple times in a player’s stream. Muscle memory, even in sound, matters.
Poker Mentions in the Lyrics
Then there’s the fun part—songs with poker references. Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler.” Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face.” “Ace of Spades” by Motorhead. Most won’t help your game, but they do add a theme to your stack-building grind.
Final Thought
Poker music is personal. A good chunk of players like instrumental electronic music. Others create a playlist that keeps them awake, calm, or hyped, depending on the situation. The best playlist? The one that keeps your stack growing and your head clear.
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