Psychological response to downswing?

[SNOWBALL138]

I'm in the middle of a 25 buy in downswing, and was thinking that it might be a good idea to just quit playing for a few days or so to cool off from this. Is that what you guys do when you're running bad, or is it better to just stick with it and build up your resolve?

[Apathy]

Taking a couple days off is a good idea if you feel you play may be affected (it probably is if your posting this), also playing less tables/moving down in limits always leads to confidence boosts.

[SNOWBALL138]

Thanks for the advice. I don't really think my play is getting affected, but if I continue to run bad, I might start to get affected. I haven't gone on tilt yet really, and thats why I was thinking of taking a couple days off. I always prefer to quit BEFORE I start to steam/play bad.

For instance, when I am at the casino I sometimes notice that I am getting tired. I am playing well, but realize that I might lose my judgment soon. So, I leave BEFORE I lose my judgment.

I like your idea of playing less tables. I might switch to 2 tables with a lower buy-in so Ican really examine my game, and make sure I am thinking straight. Its easy to write off my downswing to bad luck, but I think part of it might have been my play as well. I should really go through my HH and post some of my bust outs. God, I am so bad at record keeping.

I know that a lot of my bust outs have been bad luck, but I'm just gonna play a bit less, and try to re-examine my game just in case I have some big leaks.

Ok, I'm gonna 2 table instead of 4 table for the next couple of days, until I think that I'm capable of 4 tabling again.

I have had some trouble paying attention 100 percent of the time. I think that 2 tabling might fix this.

Thanks again for the advice. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[DasLeben]

The last time I had a downswing, I took a week off and hit the books. I came back refreshed with some leaks fixed. I highly recommend this approach.

[mikey checks]

ABSOLUTELY....ESPECIALLY ONLINE POKER !!!!


It can be a disease and sometimes you need some time away from it. When I am getting beat I make a cashout (I have a belief this stops PP from cursing you) and relax for a little bit. It could be a day or 3 but I want until I have that focus back.

[Maulik]

Johnny Chan, used to hate himself for not getting up when he's running bad. In poker and business alike when you aren't doing well, there's nothing wrong with taking a break. Many companies require vacations for that sole purpose to find problens, etc.

[SuitedSixes]

[ QUOTE ]
When I am getting beat I make a cashout (I have a belief this stops PP from cursing you.

[/ QUOTE ]

Seriously? I have always thought the opposite was true, that they curse you if you withdraw.

On topic: Play fewer tables, eliminate all distractions so you're sure you're playing your best game. I am reluctant to move down a level when I'm skidding because I don't want that psychological question, "What if I can't beat that (higher) level?" to enter my mind when it's time to move back up.

[Maulik]

It shouldn't be too difficult to deal with the second guessing that comes with playing poker, move up and down levels as need be. This serves as two purposes, its a buffer for your bankroll and it should give you confidence in your game. Give it a shot when you are worried, its probably the best time.

[raptor517]

usually, when im in the middle of a big downswing, or just feel like im playing terribly or am down a lot of money playing amazingly, i generally go up in limits and add tables. i highly dont recommend this approach though.. 3uo