This July 22, 2026, marks World Brain Day, a date promoted by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) to promote the care of the most complex organ in the human body and raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good neurological health.
Although often associated with memory, learning, or movement, the brain is also the main protagonist in poker. Every read, calculation, bluff, and decision made under pressure depends on its proper functioning. That’s why, in an increasingly competitive Latin American scene, training the mind has become as relevant as mastering game theory.
On the occasion of this commemoration, it is worth remembering one of the most interesting analyses by Professor José Litvak
Popularly known as the “happiness hormone”, serotonin participates in fundamental processes such as mood, sleep, appetite, aggression, and emotional control. At the tables, its impact can be much greater than we imagine.
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José Litvak Is A Prominent Scholar Of The Poker World. (Mundopoker)
Litvak explains that when a player makes a mistake but still gets a favorable result, the increase in serotonin can generate a feeling of well-being that hinders the critical analysis of the play. In other words, a rewarded mistake can end up being reinforced and repeated in the future, affecting long-term performance.
The opposite scenario doesn’t help either. A long losing streak can reduce serotonin levels, decreasing self-control and favoring impulsive or aggressive behaviors. It’s the classic vicious circle: the worse we feel, the higher the chances of continuing to make bad decisions.
How to maintain a healthy balance?
There is a popular myth that bananas increase serotonin, but evidence indicates that the substance present in this fruit does not directly reach the brain. What can favor its production is consuming foods rich in tryptophan, such as some meats, dairy products, legumes, and cereals. Chickpeas and corn are good examples of foods that contain this amino acid.
However, diet is not everything. Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and controlling stress remain the most effective tools for maintaining a healthy brain. In the end, both in poker and in life, the best decisions always start in the mind.
