How do you deal with long downswings in tournaments?

[babyrosejr]

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the mental side of poker. We all know that downswings are part of the game, especially in tournaments where variance is so high. Sometimes you can play your A-game, make the right decisions, and still bust out early or miss deep runs for weeks in a row.

I wanted to ask the community: how do you personally handle long downswings? Do you take a break, study more, reduce volume, or just keep grinding until variance evens out?

For me, I try to review hands, keep focusing on fundamentals, and remind myself that results come over the long term. But I’ll be honest—it’s not always easy to stay motivated.

Would love to hear your experiences and advice on keeping a strong mindset during tough stretches.

 

[RENEY444]

Sadly ,when online i tune out and go look at Facebook . It usually doesn't end well .Don't copy me !

 

[TheniT]

When this happens to me, I reduce the number of tournaments I participate in so I can analyze my game and identify potential flaws. Studying is always a good way to improve your game and overcome difficult situations.

 

[LiviuRo123]

I try to stay patient and remind myself that variance is part of tournament poker. During downswings, I focus on studying my game, reviewing hands, and keeping my bankroll safe. Staying disciplined helps me get through the tough stretches until results turn around.

 

[s0ftdumps]

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the mental side of poker. We all know that downswings are part of the game, especially in tournaments where variance is so high. Sometimes you can play your A-game, make the right decisions, and still bust out early or miss deep runs for weeks in a row.

I wanted to ask the community: how do you personally handle long downswings? Do you take a break, study more, reduce volume, or just keep grinding until variance evens out?

For me, I try to review hands, keep focusing on fundamentals, and remind myself that results come over the long term. But I’ll be honest—it’s not always easy to stay motivated.

Would love to hear your experiences and advice on keeping a strong mindset during tough stretches.

I think most players underestimate how tough the mental side can be, especially when you’re doing everything right and still not seeing results. For me, I try to set expectations upfront because tournaments are inherently high variance, so I remind myself that stretches without deep runs are part of the deal.

 

[Sorrybro539]

hat's a tough one, and something every player has to deal with. Downswings can really mess with your head. You start to doubt yourself and wonder if you're even playing well.

For me, the key is to not get out. It's easy to just stop caring when you're on a bad run.

 

[tuskaaa]

Its difficult because half the time its me playing bad without realizing it and half the time I start changing things because I think im playing bad and then the real downswing begins. Idk how do people find their own leaks.