Playing Well but Still Losing – How Do You Handle It?

[Bondhu786]

Some days, no matter how well I play, I lose.It’s frustrating, but I try to remember it’s a long-term game.What keeps you going during a losing streak?

 

[renisundernet]

I think of variance when that happens.

 

[Flyer35]

I usually go and lose some more till I'm broke, then I take a break. Maybe not the best plan.

 

[dannystanks]

Yeah this game in inherently cruel sometimes. We can play our best and still get fleeced by someone not as studied or experienced as we are. We have to accept that this is part of the game and not let anything or anyone get in the way of our A game. Stay present in the moment and don’t let bad beats or loosing streaks get in the way of playing our best when the next hand gets to us.

 

[hobojim1247]

I think of what Barry Greenstein said in one of his books dealing with bad beats, he just reminds himself : "That's poker"

 

[phuchoidey1]

I don’t know what you call play well but lose, I think that isn’t well that is bad

 

[ph_il]

poker is a long-term game of +ev decision, while having to navigate through short-term variance / results.

results don't matter as long as you're making +ev decisions most of the time.

 

[hutzpaf]

Look at the results for a month, half a year and a year.
A single result then disappears into a large mass.
Don't remember individual hands, look at the bigger picture - it's poker.

 

[Bondhu786]

Thank you all for your thoughtful and encouraging replies to my question. Your experiences and advice truly inspired me. The reminder to stay confident and focused even during a losing streak means a lot. I hope we all continue learning from each other and become better players together.🌿

 

[Garik777]

If I don't enjoy the game, I take a break and return to the game in a good mood

 

[Bondhu786]

If I don't enjoy the game, I take a break and return to the game in a good mood

Absolutely! It's hard to play well if your mood isn't right, so taking breaks is important.

 

[Mig32]

I’ve definitely been there — playing solid poker, making good decisions, and still walking away with a loss. It’s one of the most frustrating parts of the game. When it happens, I try to remind myself that poker has variance, and even the best plays won’t always lead to wins in the short term.

What helps me most is reviewing hands honestly, making sure I’m actually playing well and not just blaming bad luck. If I’m confident in my decisions, I take it as a win mentally — even if my bankroll says otherwise. For me, staying focused on the long run and keeping emotions in check is key to surviving those tough sessions.

 

[primrose]

Well, I lost 524€ today. Many of you guys probably never lost that much in one streak so maybe that helps. It's all relative! :3

 

[Mario7]

Some days, no matter how well I play, I lose.It’s frustrating, but I try to remember it’s a long-term game.What keeps you going during a losing streak?

Such things do not frustrate me at all. If I play well, but bad luck (or variance) hits me it, is not a problem.
What frustrates me, is when I loose because of my mistakes.
(TBH I play micro, I never know how would it be if I have lost a serious money)

 

[Bondhu786]

I’ve definitely been there — playing solid poker, making good decisions, and still walking away with a loss. It’s one of the most frustrating parts of the game. When it happens, I try to remind myself that poker has variance, and even the best plays won’t always lead to wins in the short term.

What helps me most is reviewing hands honestly, making sure I’m actually playing well and not just blaming bad luck. If I’m confident in my decisions, I take it as a win mentally — even if my bankroll says otherwise. For me, staying focused on the long run and keeping emotions in check is key to surviving those tough sessions.

Very well said! Staying calm and reviewing your own play honestly is super important. I’ll try to follow that mindset too. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[Bondhu786]

Well, I lost 524€ today. Many of you guys probably never lost that much in one streak so maybe that helps. It's all relative! :3

Wow, that’s tough! Sorry to hear that, but you’re right — it’s all relative. I hope your next sessions go much better. Stay strong!

 

[Bondhu786]

Such things do not frustrate me at all. If I play well, but bad luck (or variance) hits me it, is not a problem.
What frustrates me, is when I loose because of my mistakes.
(TBH I play micro, I never know how would it be if I have lost a serious money)

That’s a great mindset! Accepting variance and learning from your own mistakes is what makes a real player grow. I totally agree with you.

 

[Brigistul]

I notice that you are active and benevolent! You are on the right track!