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May

17

Poker - What to Do When the Cards Are Running Bad

Since luck does play into poker, we should all expect losing sessions and they sometimes seem to string into losing weeks or months. So what are we to do?

I certainly wish we didn’t have to suffer these prolonged periods of losses, but we must face reality. One problem poker players encounter is that swings in luck can alter your perspective. Lucky swings can make you think you’re better than you are, while unlucky swings can make you start questioning yourself. When we change the way we play it can have disastrous results for our bankroll and a downward spiral begins. We may lose confidence and become too passive or we may become overly aggressive (read that as reckless) and our game suffers.

The true test of a poker player is how they handle themselves when they are losing. Are you playing your very best game even when you’re losing? If you can honestly answer yes to that question then eventually the odds are going to swing back in your favor and you will resume winning.

Every player has losing streaks. I try to focus on whether I believe I’m playing my very best game. Sometimes I conclude that I’m not so I take a break from poker and do a little reading, specifically trying to resolve whatever my current problem is. I personally spend a good amount of time working on my self-discipline. When things go bad the gambler in me comes out and I start taking risks I wouldn’t otherwise take. Perhaps you know this scenario. You’ve seen hand after hand where lucky players suck out so you start playing that game, hoping for your break to get you back into the money. That’s exactly where we shouldn’t go when things are going bad. Once I’ve had a break from the game, did a little reading and regrouped then I give it another try.

There are some strategic changes that can be helpful when you’re experiencing losing poker sessions. Bear in mind that other players are watching you and become bolder when they see you losing. You will probably find it helpful to become tighter than you normally are. Pick solid starting hands, raise a little less often and don’t take chances bluffing at pots. Avoid fancy plays. When your “mojo” is gone it just isn’t profitable.

Another mind trick for breaking these bad streaks is not to even think of it as a streak. This can be easier said than done, but the reality is that each session is totally independent of the ones that preceded it and the ones that will follow it. Your job as a good poker player is to make the very best decisions you can during each individual session. Each time we begin a new poker session it is a fresh start. We must never allow these losing streaks to influence our future games.

When I’m on a losing streak I find it’s sometime helpful to play shorter sessions, focusing on playing the very best I can and then walking away after small wins. It’s amazing what this little boost of confidence can do to help break up those losing streaks. Belief in yourself goes a long way.

I hope this is helpful in some way. I know how frustrating it can be to suffer these bad runs at the poker table. May the poker goddess smile on you.

Loni Barrett is an avid poker player known as “DrunkBlonde” in some circles. She plays Texas Hold Em both online and in casinos. She shares actual game videos and rants about her “school of hard knocks” lessons on her offbeat and thought-provoking personal blog at www.drunkblonderpoker.com. Come learn more Winning Poker Strategies.

May 17, 2009