thwenth1983
Visionary
Platinum Level
Good morning everyone, variance in poker is the most difficult situation for any player, I play micro and I don't get a big variance, my pokertracker says that my bankroll needed for the worst phase is $128.00. poker sites I play, but sometimes there comes that day when everything goes wrong and I lose with bad bets in a row and even though I'm profitable I feel bad and the next day I win again. I don't think it's psychological to continue playing when is losing a lot of money, I see that even players from teams that are trained and learn about variance are bad when they are losing a lot, there is a player that I follow and who has already won a lot of money but this year he is losing more than $16k, the variance in poker it's a very complicated situation to deal with. The positive variance, if the player doesn't know how to manage it, can also be even worse than the negative one, the guy wins an expensive MTT that satellite or he won a ticket and ends up making a lot of money in limits above what he usually plays, it can give the player a feeling that he is a good player and starts playing expensively, there are many players who won a lot and then started playing expensively and lost everything and are in deficit, there are videos on youtube talking about So, I saw one where the guy won $86k and started playing expensive and he lost and instead of lowering the limits he started playing more and more expensive and now he's negative $28 and he's not playing, wisdom to face the variance, try to play always play within the limit that you are a winner or that in case of a loss it will not affect your life.
F
fundiver199
Legend
Loyaler
Bankroll / budget management and game selection is key in dealing with variance. If you buy into a tournament for 10% of your bankroll / balance in poker account, it should come as no surprice, that you will often need to reload your account or take a break, until you can make the next deposit. But there is also a mental side, which is not much discussed in this thread, and which we might call tilt management. Most people tend to play worse, when they are losing, so its a good idea to take a break, if we lose several tournaments in a row or reach some predefined stop-loss limit for the session in cash games.
The tricky part is, it can be difficult to recognize, when we are on tilt in a somewhat mild form. And it can also last for extended periods of time, if we are, in what some people call a "downswing". So to some degree maybe we just need to accept, that for most of US poker is more fun, and we also tend to play better, when things have been going our way recently, and the bankroll / balance in poker account sits near its all-time high. So for most people this will be the best time to take some "shots" and try to move up. Which also fall in line with good general bankroll management.
The tricky part is, it can be difficult to recognize, when we are on tilt in a somewhat mild form. And it can also last for extended periods of time, if we are, in what some people call a "downswing". So to some degree maybe we just need to accept, that for most of US poker is more fun, and we also tend to play better, when things have been going our way recently, and the bankroll / balance in poker account sits near its all-time high. So for most people this will be the best time to take some "shots" and try to move up. Which also fall in line with good general bankroll management.
mattiebumpo
Legend
Loyaler
Many have provided great answers here. Variance is just part of poker. We have to be able to weather it and continue on. If you feel it is affecting your mentality and your ability to play your best, you would be wise to take a break. As others have said, bankroll management and game selection is super important. I think variance is one of the main deterrents to try to make a living as a professional poker player. Having a job or another more secure source of income is essential. At least if your poker bankroll is separate from your living expenses, variance will not cause you to lose your home and security. You just may need to save up again to regain your bankroll and move down stakes to give yourself a better chance of winning. Every decision is independent and all you can do is try to make the best decisions you can. When things don't work out the way you planned, give yourself an honest look and feedback so you can find and address any possible leaks in your game.
C
clotilde
Enthusiast
Silver Level
in my case I try to play many tournaments
JeffSBrito
Rock Star
Silver Level
Hello, guys!
Poker is a game that involves skill, strategy, and, inevitably, a significant amount of luck. As a result, players may experience significant variations in the short term, even if they're playing well and making the best possible decisions. Variation can be frustrating and challenging, but it's a natural part of the game. So:
Acmit the variance:
The first strategy for dealing with variance is to accept it as a natural part of the game. This means understanding that, even if you play well and make the best decisions, you won't always get the result you expect. It's important to remember that the variation can affect new and professional players, and that doesn't necessarily mean that you're doing anything wrong.
Have an adequate bankroll:
One of the most effective ways to deal with variance is to have an adequate bankroll. That means having a separate amount of money earmarked solely for playing poker. A proper bankroll should be large enough to allow you to go through a series of negative outcomes without losing all your money. This helps reduce the long-term impact of the variation.
Another strategy for dealing with variance is to play consistently. This means following a solid strategy, making the best possible decisions, and avoiding emotional or impulsive play. Playing consistently helps reduce variance, as you're making decisions based on skill and strategy, not luck.
Focus on the process:
It's important to remember that, in the long run, the game of poker is a game of skill and strategy. The variation may affect results in the short term, but skill and strategy will have a greater impact in the long term. That's why it's important to focus on the process and not on the results. Focus on making the best possible decisions, regardless of the final outcome.
Practice emotional management:
Finally, it's important to practice emotional management. Variation can be frustrating and challenging, and it's easy to get carried away by emotions. It's important to remain calm, objective, and perspective. Practicing emotional management can help you stay consistent, make the best possible decisions, and deal with variation more effectively.
GL
Poker is a game that involves skill, strategy, and, inevitably, a significant amount of luck. As a result, players may experience significant variations in the short term, even if they're playing well and making the best possible decisions. Variation can be frustrating and challenging, but it's a natural part of the game. So:
Acmit the variance:
The first strategy for dealing with variance is to accept it as a natural part of the game. This means understanding that, even if you play well and make the best decisions, you won't always get the result you expect. It's important to remember that the variation can affect new and professional players, and that doesn't necessarily mean that you're doing anything wrong.
Have an adequate bankroll:
One of the most effective ways to deal with variance is to have an adequate bankroll. That means having a separate amount of money earmarked solely for playing poker. A proper bankroll should be large enough to allow you to go through a series of negative outcomes without losing all your money. This helps reduce the long-term impact of the variation.
Another strategy for dealing with variance is to play consistently. This means following a solid strategy, making the best possible decisions, and avoiding emotional or impulsive play. Playing consistently helps reduce variance, as you're making decisions based on skill and strategy, not luck.
Focus on the process:
It's important to remember that, in the long run, the game of poker is a game of skill and strategy. The variation may affect results in the short term, but skill and strategy will have a greater impact in the long term. That's why it's important to focus on the process and not on the results. Focus on making the best possible decisions, regardless of the final outcome.
Practice emotional management:
Finally, it's important to practice emotional management. Variation can be frustrating and challenging, and it's easy to get carried away by emotions. It's important to remain calm, objective, and perspective. Practicing emotional management can help you stay consistent, make the best possible decisions, and deal with variation more effectively.
GL
Gritz18
Legend
Platinum Level
I think one of the main variance factors is the game volume, the less volume the more variance.
I am a good example, as I only play freerolls and there are few tournaments that I play per day, the variance will show up a lot, and in this case there is not much to do, and accepting it is part of the game.
Grateful Cesar.
I am a good example, as I only play freerolls and there are few tournaments that I play per day, the variance will show up a lot, and in this case there is not much to do, and accepting it is part of the game.
Grateful Cesar.
Luvepoker
Lost in the twilight zone
Community Guide
Variance is not just part of the game but in life as well. When I get several bad beats in a day I just try to remeber the time when variance is on my side. We need to accept the bad side and know that the good will come our way sooner than later.
Pokerpoet2
Legend
Bronze Level
Variance can be a B***h, but it is just a part of Poker you have to accept. Getting upset over Players who call you with 2 pair when you have a straight or flush and they spike a Full house on the River happens On-line and in Live games.
But if you start moaning and accuse Poker sites of being rigged or crooked, it just proves how much of an Amateur Poker Player you really are. There is nothing underhanded going on, It is just one part of a game where strange things happen and some time's even the best players get sucked out on.
Accepting your bad beats, moving on to another game, and maybe next time it will be you getting the better of other players.
But if you start moaning and accuse Poker sites of being rigged or crooked, it just proves how much of an Amateur Poker Player you really are. There is nothing underhanded going on, It is just one part of a game where strange things happen and some time's even the best players get sucked out on.
Accepting your bad beats, moving on to another game, and maybe next time it will be you getting the better of other players.
ToNy70929
Visionary
Bronze Level
Over the course of several years, falling into dispersion, I learned to take it calmly, I try not to get nervous, I prefer to wait out games with high stakes at such moments. I usually take a break from poker for a while with the hope of getting into new games
JeffSBrito
Rock Star
Silver Level
Dealing with variance in poker is a fundamental part of the game. I understand that even with a solid strategy and correct decisions, I can still face fluctuations and periods of negative results. To deal with this, I maintain a balanced mindset and focused on the long term. I also practice good bankroll management. I set loss limits that I am willing to accept and avoid playing at stake levels that could negatively affect my bankroll. That way, I can weather the swings and continue playing with confidence.
jonaselloco
Legend
Bronze Level
For me the variance is related to the good administration of your bankroll.
You will always have losing streaks, but by adjusting to a balanced bankroll, you can withstand them.
One way to also reduce variance, especially playing cash games, is to not get into all kinds of hands, reducing your blinds by seeing flops and stuff.
The important thing is, do you think you have a strong hand??? then go and bet it. Play that hand, depending on the opponents you have.
That way you will almost always find good results.
Badbeats don't always happen. In general, this happens a lot when you go all in a lot of hands preflop.
If you're on the turn or river, don't hesitate to fold if you feel confident that your opponent is a firm player. That player, if he goes all in, is sure to beat you.
And well, a thousand variations that occur in this beautiful game.
My regards, brother
You will always have losing streaks, but by adjusting to a balanced bankroll, you can withstand them.
One way to also reduce variance, especially playing cash games, is to not get into all kinds of hands, reducing your blinds by seeing flops and stuff.
The important thing is, do you think you have a strong hand??? then go and bet it. Play that hand, depending on the opponents you have.
That way you will almost always find good results.
Badbeats don't always happen. In general, this happens a lot when you go all in a lot of hands preflop.
If you're on the turn or river, don't hesitate to fold if you feel confident that your opponent is a firm player. That player, if he goes all in, is sure to beat you.
And well, a thousand variations that occur in this beautiful game.
My regards, brother
CDNMAN 42
Legend
Loyaler
Variance. ugh what a dirty word...as my dictionary defines it..the fact or quality of being different, divergent, or inconsistent. There is no doubt that the flop, turn and river are inconsistent time and again ..and the only way that I can reasonably deal with it is to flat out accept it and move on..as we all know there will be a time in the future where you are a benefit of the Variance at the expense of others..what a game...