Dealing With Downswings -
Downswings Poker Strategy
All poker players
experience the occasional downswing. Some
downswings only last for a day, others last for
months. No matter how long a downswing lasts,
it’s a painful, frustrating experience. Even so,
as a serious poker player you must learn how to
deal with downswings. No matter how good you
are, you will experience downswings.
Some
downswings are a result of bad luck, others are
a result of bad play but most are a result of
some combination of both. It usually starts out
with a bad run of cards that affects your
confidence and playing style, resulting in a
prolonged downswing. It’s no fun to think about
downswings but it’s important that you prepare
yourself so you can minimize the effects of the
next downswing you experience.
Bankroll
The size of your
bankroll is the most important factor in
determining how devastating your downswing is.
It’s important that you always play within your
bankroll and be willing to move down when your
bankroll dictates it.
In no
limit games, most players keep a bankroll of 20
to 40 buyins per level. That means if you have a
$2,000 bankroll, the biggest game you should
play in is $0.50/$1.00 ($100 buyin). In fixed
limit games, the generally accepted rule is to
have at least 300 to 600 big bets in your
bankroll at all times.
Playing within your bankroll during the good
times is easy. When you run into a downswing,
however, you will be sorely tempted to keep
playing at your current level no matter what
happens. It feels like you need to keep playing
up at your normal levels so you can hurry up and
make back the money you’ve recently lost.
Don’t
fall into the temptation of playing outside your
bankroll. If you hit a big downswing and your
bankroll shrinks, make sure you move down in
stakes as necessary. Not only will it keep you
from going broke, but it will place you in
easier games and help you break out of the
downswing.
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Take a Break
Sometimes a break is
the best way to end a downswing. Whether it’s
just a single day of bad beats or a month of
losing sessions, a break will allow you to clear
your head and return to the tables refreshed and
confident.
Just
like moving down in stakes, taking a break
requires self discipline during downswings. Many
players feel like they need to continue playing
through the downswing so they can hurry up and
make up for the lost money. This is a dangerous
way to think and it often leads players to
extend and exacerbate their problems.
The
good news is that once you actually go on break,
you’ll find it relaxing and enjoyable. There’s a
whole world out there outside of poker. Get out
there and enjoy it! Play with the dog, hang with
the family or go do something with your friends.
Heck, even a day spent being lazy is sometimes
enough to help you clear your mind.
The
length of your break really depends on how
severe the downswing is. If you had a single bad
day at the tables, a one day break is just fine.
With extended downswings, some players need a
good two weeks away from the tables. You be the
judge and choose the length of your own break
and then stick with it.
Don’t Blame the Poker
Site
I can’t tell you how
many players have visited my poker forums and
complained that X and Y poker sites are rigged
because they can’t win. These are probably good
people but they are endlessly frustrating
because they refuse to take responsibility for
themselves. They want to blame everyone and
everything except themselves for their bad play
or bad luck.
Instead of blaming whatever poker site you play
at, try taking a break and analyzing your own
poker game. With an objective eye, you might
realize that you have been misplaying certain
hands. Maybe you are losing too much money with
certain hands or aren’t making enough money with
others. Every poker player in the world can
improve in one way or another.
Study Your Game
Take an objective look
at your game and re-read past hand histories.
You might not be playing as well as you think
you are. If you have a hard time being objective
(everyone does occasionally), try posting your
hand histories at some poker forums. There, you
can get advice and input from other poker
players.
Spend
some of your break time by reading a poker book
and studying up on your strategy. There are
hundreds of great poker websites out there that
offer poker advice for free. At the very least,
you’ll return to the tables armed with new
knowledge.
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