I always build a decent stack… and then punt it. Any advice?

[groovydrini]

Hi all,
I’ve noticed a frustrating pattern in my tournament play: I start off solid, build a nice stack, and then I just donk it all away with one bad bluff or a loose call I regret immediately.

I know discipline is key, but in the moment, I often convince myself “this is the move.”
How do you train yourself to stay patient and avoid these blowups?
Is this a mindset issue or a technical leak?

Would love any feedback. Thanks!

 

[Poker Orifice]

Open more tables.

 

[Diguiriguidin]

My friend's mistakes and correct plays are normal, but tournaments tend to get more difficult as there are fewer players. Because of that, some strategies that work early might not work later.

 

[Diguiriguidin]

My suggestion is to keep playing, but also study the game and play more Sit & Gos to understand the game better and face more situations.

 

[player4533456]

Yes I do that a lot. It tends to happen more when I'm tired, stressed or hungry. So I think just making sure to be well rested, staying hydrated and having eaten enough can make a difference.
Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[perrywh]

The longer you progress in a tournament the better the players!

 

[odonob]

Keep doing that, hope to see you on the tables very soon!

 

[mclay]

Hi all,
I’ve noticed a frustrating pattern in my tournament play: I start off solid, build a nice stack, and then I just donk it all away with one bad bluff or a loose call I regret immediately.

I know discipline is key, but in the moment, I often convince myself “this is the move.”
How do you train yourself to stay patient and avoid these blowups?
Is this a mindset issue or a technical leak?

Would love any feedback. Thanks!

Here you need to learn to switch speeds, otherwise people like you will catch the stack and start pouring, as if they have nuts on every hand.

 

[Vovk]

Привіт усім,
Я помітив одну неприємну закономірність у своїй турнірній грі: я починаю солідно, набираю хороший стек, а потім просто програю все через один невдалий блеф або луз-колл, про що одразу шкодую.

Я знаю, що дисципліна — це ключ до успіху, але в даний момент я часто переконую себе: «Це той самий крок».
Як навчити себе бути терплячим та уникати цих істерик?
Це проблема мислення чи технічний витік?

Буду радий будь-яким відгукам. Дякую!

I don't think there are bad cards. You have to believe in your cards, see what happens next, and never forget what the enemy might have!

 

[Rost]

Hi all,
I’ve noticed a frustrating pattern in my tournament play: I start off solid, build a nice stack, and then I just donk it all away with one bad bluff or a loose call I regret immediately.

I know discipline is key, but in the moment, I often convince myself “this is the move.”
How do you train yourself to stay patient and avoid these blowups?
Is this a mindset issue or a technical leak?

Would love any feedback. Thanks!

Have you thought about the fact that you start solidly and quickly build up your stack because you play too aggressively, taking risks and relying not so much on skills as on luck?
.... The result of such a game is usually the result you describe. Just try to play more tightly.

 

[fundiver199]

Open more tables.

I agree. Playing more tables prevent you from getting bored and looking for fancy moves to make something happen.

 

[martDdart]

Take a break for at least ten minutes in silence and use that break to relax.Being tired makes it harder to stay disiplined and make the right decisions.

 

[Mig32]

In my experience, it’s a mix of mindset and technical discipline. The moment you build a decent stack, there’s this internal urge to push your edge or “make something happen.” That’s when emotional reasoning creeps in — and you start justifying plays that aren’t really there. For me, the biggest improvement came when I started forcing myself to pause before big decisions. Even a 5-second breath can shift your mindset from impulse to logic.
What also helped was reviewing those punted hands after the game, asking, “Was this really necessary?” The more you relive the mistake, the more aware you become next time you’re about to make it. Patience isn’t just a skill — it’s a habit that takes practice. Hang in there, you’re not alone in this!

 

[sandy358]

Hi all,
I’ve noticed a frustrating pattern in my tournament play: I start off solid, build a nice stack, and then I just donk it all away with one bad bluff or a loose call I regret immediately.

I know discipline is key, but in the moment, I often convince myself “this is the move.”
How do you train yourself to stay patient and avoid these blowups?
Is this a mindset issue or a technical leak?

Would love any feedback. Thanks!

Avoid collisions with other big stacks at all costs, especially when ICM kicks in (before the ICM your chip lead doesn't matter, just play ChipEV as you always do). If you collided, play much more cautiously. If they are being overly aggressive against you, it is they problem and they are torching their money by ignoring ICM, fold. If you fall to a mid stack level, just nit.

 

[dannystanks]

It’s definitely a leak but you can fix it. Learn to be more patient.

 

[pavel1111111]

Try to tale less action on your stack and game....Aldo îs very hard ...but If You do IT îs going to be rewarding for you🤙😁

 

[Chebchoub]

This dry phase is inevitable in most games, especially tournaments. It's a phase that can be repeated, whether at the beginning, middle, or end of the game. Most or all of the hands we get in this phase will be bad or will lead to loss or elimination.
The most important thing is that during this difficult stage, we must constantly focus on the table and observe the distribution, hands, and players.
In general, attention, focus, and the correct application of poker strategies and skills will enable us to recognize the yellow, red, and green signals and achieve good results.
Good luck.