Dealing With The Inevitable Downswing

[banditdad]

I've only played about 3000 hands 1/2 at Absolute and hit, (what is for me), my first significant downswing on Sunday losing about 100/BB in a 5 hr. session. I know that this is a very small sample but I'd like to get some input so I can stop any bad habits before they start. My pre downswing PT stats are VPIP 30.2%, PFR% 18%, AF Agg:3.25%

My reaction to a downswing is to tighten up my starting hands and back off the aggression, especially on the river since I couldn't get anyone to release, until the variance turns back into my favor.

Is this a reasonable strategy? How do others do it? Should I just continue to play the same? Switch tables? Switch sites?

[prvt g pyle]

dont quit the site or the limit or teh table or anything~~~play winning poker, whatever that has been for you in the past. the cycle of cards will come your way, just make sure you minimize losses when the wrong end of the deck hits......

[emonrad87]

It seems like you might be playing a little bit loose to begin with, perhaps a bit overagressive. It's been a while since I've played 1/2, but that VP$IP seems pretty high for all but the very best. At the very least, more hands will increase your variance even if they are break-even.

Oh, and DO NOT change your style of play, unless you find specific leaks that need help. In this case, I think your natural reaction was a good one, because you are a little too loose to begin with.