Waiting for a league match can really test your patience and self-control, especially when the stakes feel high. I’ve found that practicing a poker face isn’t just useful at card tables—it’s a handy skill when gaming too, particularly in competitive matches where showing emotions can sometimes give opponents an edge. One memorable time, I was sitting through a long wait for a ranked match, and decided to focus on controlling my expressions. This helped me stay calm and mentally prepare for the game ahead. It’s interesting how keeping a neutral face can actually improve your focus and reduce nervous energy. Meanwhile, tunes or audios that can be classified as “cursed” or unusual, like some unexpected soundtracks from anime such as My Hero Academia, add a quirky yet motivating atmosphere during the wait. In addition to helping with emotional control, concentrating on the poker face during these moments made me more aware of my body language, which is an underrated aspect of gaming psychology. Opponents may try to read reactions through voice chat or live streams, so training to maintain a consistent demeanor can prevent giving away tells. If you’re someone who hooks into RPGs or league-based games, try this method next time you’re stuck in queue. Combine it with playful or offbeat audio to keep your mood light, and it might just turn a frustrating wait into a mini mental exercise. Plus, it’s a fun personal challenge to maintain that unreadable expression even when excitement or frustration kicks in. This experience is definitely a fresh take on gaming patience and mental training that anyone can try.