Quiting as a Winner

MikeyEdge · #1 02-03-2003, 01:48 PM

I don't play Hold'em in a casino that often, when I do its either 4/8 or 5/10. Its been a common theme that I will go up over $200, then lose it back and then some. Should I quit while I'm ahead and take the victory, or should I believe in the fact that poker is all one big long game. In theory if you can beat the game, you should be able to continue beating the game, but usually I will loosen up too much and start on a downswing, even though I'm aware to try to not let this happen. Does anyone else have this problem?

oddjob · #2 02-03-2003, 01:59 PM

i think you stay in the game as long as you feel it is good and profitable. which is a mistake i made yesterday, mostly due to the fact that i was stuck at the casino an additional 5 hours due to a snowstorm. i still walked away with money but not as much as when i wanted to walk away.

oddjob · #3 02-03-2003, 01:59 PM

i think you stay in the game as long as you feel it is good and profitable. which is a mistake i made yesterday, mostly due to the fact that i was stuck at the casino an additional 5 hours due to a snowstorm. i still walked away with money but not as much as when i wanted to walk away.

CrackerZack · #4 02-03-2003, 03:10 PM

John Feeney's book has some good comments about "Locking up a win". Although in your case, if you're noticing that your play is starting to decline due to the fact you have chips in front of you, then getting up before you get the blackjack mentality of "betting with the house's money" could keep you on your best game longer. I have been trying to watch myself more and more for this also. It becomes addicting...usually you are up big early because draws have been coming through for you so more and more drawing hands start to look better and better, so have you have to make sure you're not making -EV plays. It is tough sometimes but if you see yourself considering playing small suited connectors way out of position (or other such decisions), get up, take a break and make sure when you sit back down you remember all the money in front of you is yours.

Good luck

cybertilt · #5 02-04-2003, 01:30 PM

mike, I think you answered your own question. As soon as you stop playing your A game its time to go. I just wanted to add that you may not be adjusting to the game. Your winnings probly came from the fish who have now went broke and left the game and you are with equal players or better players and are getting blinded to death (and or raked to death). This could be a new math term -- blinds+rake-fish=loss

STOSH1 · #6 02-04-2003, 05:51 PM

If you are loosening up at the same time the other good players are getting a good read on you, a -EV seems inevitable. If you play the same for long enough at the same table, the fish will swim in and out but the better players (they watch you not the flop when the cards come down) figure out your style.

Best complement I ever got was at a 3-6 table, as I was racking up about 30+ BB to leave: "Good playing with you, but glad to see you leave. You figured out this table too good"