Poker Orifice
And Still...
Platinum Level
If he's losing confidence how will increasing volume be helpful? Take a longer break? (seems like the opposite of playing more volume... will this help? Does a person get better at this game when they're taking a long break?)
BUt... take a break if you're tilting
I'd say 'study a lot'
puzzlefish
Legend
Loyaler
Sometimes people only play one or two tournaments a day, then they lose several in a row and get discouraged. That could be a week or two of just losing repeatedly. I think in those instances maybe playing a larger volume (per day) might break the streak and maybe they will finish deep or win one. It might also get them to play a different format that might work better for them.
Other times maybe a hard reset is needed and a long break can do that. A player who is in a losing mindset probably isn't getting better at the game anyway. They're likely just doing the same thing and repeating the same mistakes. I think in those instances a step back is great to reset and figure out what's going on with their game.
D
dorsk
Rock Star
Bronze Level
You can’t do much about downswings in tournaments. They happen to anyone due to variance and the huge luck factor. It’s hard to get ITM at an MTT 20% of the times. Knowing this is important
to acknowledge: At least 4 out of 5 times you don’t get paid.
If you’re on a rough path at cash games losing more than your fair share it’s very individual how to cope and recover. There is no miracle cure. I’d recommend to put things into perspective and take a break. For days, weeks or longer. Wait until you’ve rebuilt your composure and self confidence. You will know when.
to acknowledge: At least 4 out of 5 times you don’t get paid.
If you’re on a rough path at cash games losing more than your fair share it’s very individual how to cope and recover. There is no miracle cure. I’d recommend to put things into perspective and take a break. For days, weeks or longer. Wait until you’ve rebuilt your composure and self confidence. You will know when.
hardongear
Legend
Silver Level
I study my hand histories and think more poker. There will be times when I think of anything but poker. During these times and the downswing I play a lot less. When you start to feel good and confident again I increase playing volume. I personally can always know when I'm ready and can tell when I'm confident and it's time to increase volume.
A few weeks or 1-2 months away can work wonders for their game and mental state.
Cheers!!!
A few weeks or 1-2 months away can work wonders for their game and mental state.
Cheers!!!
dreamer13
Legend
Loyaler
Dealing with long losing streaks is perhaps the most difficult aspect of poker. You keep doing everything right, picking the right spots, putting money in the pot when you have a mathematical advantage, and you still keep losing over and over again.Personally, I take a break from the game for 2 weeks.Unfortunately, these little tragedies will never stop as long as you continue to play poker.
FastOne
Legend
Loyaler
Taking a break is always helpful, especially if you've been spending more time playing poker than usual.
Forget about poker for a couple of days and then comeback slowly and don't beat yourself up if it doesn't go well at first. Relax and let go, just do your best and remember luck is also a factor in poker, is not 100% up to you.
Forget about poker for a couple of days and then comeback slowly and don't beat yourself up if it doesn't go well at first. Relax and let go, just do your best and remember luck is also a factor in poker, is not 100% up to you.
john_entony
feed the Fox
Loyaler
I play computer games. About 40 minutes in some soulslike, action, horror or shooter game helps a lot to forget about unsuccessful tournaments. But there are also other alternative ways (for example, you can do some sports exercises or read a book). 
dzsire
Legend
Platinum Level
My suggestion is to take a break of 1-2 days, or even several days. Obviously, someone who makes a living from this will have a harder time convincing themselves to take even a 1-day break, but as an amateur it shouldn't be a problem.
And when you return, just start playing gradually, with smaller stakes.
And when you return, just start playing gradually, with smaller stakes.
antonis32123
Legend
Loyaler
I take a break for sure si as to relax and come back calmer and stronger . Call it a day or even don't play gor more days , a week if needed . Downswing or bad beats can make feel angry , so I stop playing . I don't like getting upset for just a simple hame of poker , especially for nano micro stakes , it doesn't worth it . But I do not review my hands . Cause the greatest majority is bad beats , crazy hands from rng , sk studying will not help much
ztibor72
Visionary
Platinum Level
If you feel like you are playing your A game, then relax a little, rest and go for the next session.
If you feel like there is something wrong with your game, then analyze your game, find the mistake, and pay close attention to it while playing.
There is no other idea, you just have to spin the game to get out of the downswing.
If you feel like there is something wrong with your game, then analyze your game, find the mistake, and pay close attention to it while playing.
There is no other idea, you just have to spin the game to get out of the downswing.
Jdawglet
Legend
Platinum Level
Evaluate why you are losing.
Sometimes we lose so we change our game which causes us to lose more. Sometimes we’re losing because we’re not playing smart.
Sometimes we’re losing because the NRG is not in our favour. (In this case I take looooong breaks)
Sometimes we lose so we change our game which causes us to lose more. Sometimes we’re losing because we’re not playing smart.
Sometimes we’re losing because the NRG is not in our favour. (In this case I take looooong breaks)
N
neverbluff0799
Legend
Platinum Level
Really depand of the reason of your downswing...If you keep putting it good and making the correct call but keep losing cause of variance or if its cause that your playing bad and making the wrong calls.
If its variance keep grinding at some points you will be chip ev putting it as a favorite.
If its your play i would reevalute my way of playing and try to find wich spot your mostly missplaying and how to correct it.
If its variance keep grinding at some points you will be chip ev putting it as a favorite.
If its your play i would reevalute my way of playing and try to find wich spot your mostly missplaying and how to correct it.
Marshmalo1994
Legend
Loyaler
Hey! Sorry to hear that. I've been there and it sucks.
Something that helped me was to stop for a while, take some time to study and review my game.
Also when I faced my worst downswing I reduced the buy in level. It helped me to start again and get my confidence back.
H
Haawglivin
Enthusiast
Bronze Level
Try to remember when things were going well, is there anything you’re doing differently. And then is it your play or is it just the darn cards aren’t doing your play justice.. if it’s luck it will turn around, if it’s something about your game then go back to when you were having success, and adjust accordingly.
