Have you ever thought about just quitting?
 

I am in the middle of the most horrendous downswing I've ever encountered.


The frustration just makes me wonder why I even bother playing.

Re: Have you ever thought about just quitting?
 

ive been thinking about quitting twoplustwo alot lately, but dont think i will.

Re: Have you ever thought about just quitting?
 

probably better advice out there, but...

i think the biggest problem with the downswings is the dent in your confidence it can cause. as a result, you lose some of your creativity, etc.

occasionally after a rough night, i'll sit down in a play-chip sng. an hour playing in here serves as good therapy, allowing me to play tight, aggressive poker - more often than not, receiving the positive feedback i need to 'feel it again'.

of course, there's always the 'drop down', 'take a week off', etc. good luck...

Re: Have you ever thought about just quitting?
 

haha... i also do that play chip thing when i feel a downswing coming. Just 3 months ago i had the WORST down swing ever, and i quit poker for 2 weeks. Didn't play at all, just read books and just got my mind back on the game again. Re-building my confidence i suppose.

Re: Have you ever thought about just quitting?
 

All you need to remember is that they happen to everyone. Even the best players in the world have down swings. Do what you need to do to get through it. Take a break, get your confidence back, whatever it takes.

Another thing to consider is how you're playing. This is a great time to go through some hand histories and evaluate your game. Often player's will fixate blame on luck, cold cards, etc when on a down swing. Many of those same players don't even take the time to consider that they my be playing poorly. So, take a look. It may not be the case, but at least you can rule it out and maybe even learn a few things that you weren't expecting to. I'd be willing to take a look at some hands for you as well if you want a second opinion. Good luck and saty on the horse. you'll get through it.

Cheers,

deacsoft

Re: Have you ever thought about just quitting?
 

Awesome, I'm inspired now, dent my confidence too lately.

Re: Have you ever thought about just quitting?
 

I've been downswinging this week, and I deal with it by playing a casino bonus... I know for higher limit players the money might not be enough, but for me its fun to play, a bit relaxing, and by recouping some of the downswing money, i feel better about it

Re: Have you ever thought about just quitting?
 

YES! Last week in fact! But then I somehow made a 180 and now I feel like I'm playing better that I ever have(and the results have shown!)

Re: Have you ever thought about just quitting?
 

Don't do that, you're one of the people I enjoy reading.

Re: Have you ever thought about just quitting?
 

Reviewing your game for mistakes is great advice, actually. Sometimes the degradation your confidence suffers is enough to cause you to play poorly. Not playing winning hands for their maximum value is a common mistake when people are running bad. They get the same feeling as that hopeless dog in the psych. experiment and just expect to get clobbered, which is followed by taking down a pot that is smaller than it had to be.