Do you guys think it's important to pay attention to every single hand , even those you fold out pre-flop in?? Do you think it affects your game for better or for worse if you do or don't pay attention.

I know there have been times when I drift off and start reading the forums, or check my email or a game on TV I have money when I probably should be watching for other peoples betting patterns

But, it's hard not to do in a long MTT

I think it is important to pay attention to hands that you are not involved in, but it can also be hard. It is especially hard when playing online (or even playing multiple tables at once). You can't really get a feeling about your opponents' playing style and find their weaknesses if you don't pay attention to hands you are not involved in. For example, you may find that one of your opponents always raises a flush draw on the flop etc.

I personally find it is easier to pay attention when playing live games because (i) there are less distractions and (ii) I enjoy looking for 'tells' which you don't get playing online.

I agree with 4texasholdem. I pay attention to all the hands, even if I'm not in them. Not just to scope out the other players, but to see if I could have won. Since I am a beginner, it helps to watch and learn what hands could win.

I find it harder to do when playing online but yes I think it is a good idea to pay attention. You tend to learn more on how the other players play if you are paying attention and you would be surprised on what you can learn.

I like to pay attention to the other players and try and guess what their two hold cards are. In this manner you can link the cards with the players physical tells, after the fact.

That is if they show you their cards. I can see how this would help.