5 ms·

That would be "state-dependent memory": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State-dependent_memory https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State-dependent_memory

djmips 4y ago
That's interesting and maybe it is related somehow but I don't think it's what the parent is describing. In my own example - I play a certain sport but my best game I ever played - I hadn't slept for two nights from working on a deadline - went to a game and scored 5 goals and the whole thing was amazing. But I can guarantee that I never learned to play my sport while in that state of sleep deprivation. It was just something about that state that allowed me to execute at a continuous high level. I believe that inebriation can have similar effect.
- runlevel1 4y ago
  Based on their comment, I was presuming (perhaps wrongly) that they played pool at a bar, and so their skill would have developed in the presence of some form of alcohol. State-dependent memory isn't the only factor, though. Things like relaxation could well have an even larger impact.
  - karmakaze 4y ago
    State-dependent memory is fascinating and likely a factor. I don't play all that much pool and not always in similar conditions (e.g. game room in condo). I can relate another time I had unexpected good performance playing Halo (a rare activity for me) while socializing. For the mid portion of the evening, I was an extremely good sniper getting top scores that I never usually do. Being a one-off case, it's uncertain but I'd say that being relaxed and not thinking about it at all to be a necessary but not sufficient factor. These times feels almost like beginners luck when you barely have any context and just trying things--like hitting that tiny bonus target while axe throwing for the first time as a hail mary, 'why not go for it?' shot.
elevaet 4y ago
Or it could be related to the famous Ballmer Peak: https://xkcd.com/323/ https://xkcd.com/323/

djmips 4y ago

That's interesting and maybe it is related somehow but I don't think it's what the parent is describing. In my own example - I play a certain sport but my best game I ever played - I hadn't slept for two nights from working on a deadline - went to a game and scored 5 goals and the whole thing was amazing. But I can guarantee that I never learned to play my sport while in that state of sleep deprivation. It was just something about that state that allowed me to execute at a continuous high level. I believe that inebriation can have similar effect.

runlevel1 4y ago
Based on their comment, I was presuming (perhaps wrongly) that they played pool at a bar, and so their skill would have developed in the presence of some form of alcohol. State-dependent memory isn't the only factor, though. Things like relaxation could well have an even larger impact.
- karmakaze 4y ago
  State-dependent memory is fascinating and likely a factor. I don't play all that much pool and not always in similar conditions (e.g. game room in condo). I can relate another time I had unexpected good performance playing Halo (a rare activity for me) while socializing. For the mid portion of the evening, I was an extremely good sniper getting top scores that I never usually do. Being a one-off case, it's uncertain but I'd say that being relaxed and not thinking about it at all to be a necessary but not sufficient factor. These times feels almost like beginners luck when you barely have any context and just trying things--like hitting that tiny bonus target while axe throwing for the first time as a hail mary, 'why not go for it?' shot.

elevaet 4y ago

Or it could be related to the famous Ballmer Peak: https://xkcd.com/323/ https://xkcd.com/323/