Losing Interest

[Dog_Turd2000]

Seems I can be in a tourny and doin really well, Having fun and enjoying the conversations at times when people actually wanna be friendly. But what I see happening alot lately is when I start gettin a run of bad cards I start to get bored and lose interest in the game. I just cant stay focused. I know its crazy but it happens im sure it happens to others as well. What if anything can I do about it. I like tha games, Im addicted, I cant get enough poker, But making it to the money seems so boring anymore.

[liladypokerpro]

Nah doesn't sound crazy at all. There are some games in which I get bored as well...like the ones full of time donks who like to run out their clock every single turn. In these cases I just open up another game on the side...that usually helps to pass the time and keep from getting too bored.

Or, if you prefer, you could open up the rakeback arcade off to the side and play that...just make sure it's not a timed game.

[RiverstarsVictim]

As lilady says, open up a cash table or 2. Alternatively, if you have enough chips, sit out for a while, take a short break and come back feeling refreshed. I don't know which tournaments you play but many go on for hours, there will nearly always be times when you're card dead so you need to prepare for it.

[powrdragn]

Actually there was an interesting interview that I saw recently with Phil Laak recently. He actually showed up to the first day of the main event disguised as an old man. He did it more for entertainment value, but what he did learn is that he focused more on the game, because he had to protect his identity.

But, this makes complete sense to me. For instance, I played in a game until late last night (about 1:30am). And I was starting to get a little tired...but the game was GREAT. So, to keep focus, I started thinking of more things to keep track of. I was making more mental notes of who was playng card early and/or late. I was looking at who what type of bets someone called preflop and which ones people folded to.

Some of these things are items that you should be watching out for anyway. But, finding nitpicky things helped me focus more.

Just find something more interesting in the game to keep your interest. If nothing else, when online, try making notes on all your opponents. I'm truly amazed at how many players don't take advantage of the note taking features. If you are card dead, that's a good time ot try and secure accurate notes against your foes.

[Vito_Nuccio]

I agree with the responses given so far.

A second or third table is a way to increase action and possibly focus (as long as you follow your bankroll rules).

If multi-tabling is not your cup of tea, try surfing other sites while playing, most poker rooms have an auditory sound when it is your turn to play.

I really like the suggestion to profile the others to keep focus. Use the note taking ability to peg other players. You can come up with notation easily understandable, it is your playground. I have used notes for a while but recently have been taking more. Even if it is a simple message reminder that the other is a donk, the information can come in handy the next time you need to make a decision about that player. If in a game days or months later, your notes will still be there, showing automatically as soon as you sit with them. A much better prospect than to mine your memory for the proper designations, especially my own.

If your focus only lasts for an hour or two, avoid the big tournaments, these usually take 4 hours or more to complete. 1-5 table sit and goes last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours max. You can also play in cash games where you can play as long as you want and leave at any time (always play until the BB is one hand before you, get as many free hands in as possible before exiting). Making it to the money is step one, but a good first step. It should mean something to make it to the money, your account is going up. Also, play changes dramatically just before and after the bubble bursts. This is the time of the game where focus is important as many players will be changing gears.

Assure you have energy when you play, focus uses energy, have plenty of reserves.

As for a run of bad cards, it will happen in every poker game you play. Rarely do we get those magical cardrack moments where every hand in a game is delivered to us on a platter. Do not get discouraged because you go a rotation or two with complete rags and no wins. If you are a tight player and the cards are not cooperating, you may be forced to press the issue with less than you are used to. No big deal, every game is different. Bad runs do end, not as soon as expected or needed, but they do end. You do not have to play every hand in a tourney to do well. One big rake per hour can get you deep into a tourney. Grind your teeth through the bad runs and come out the other end with enough chips to take advantage when needed.

You have stated a passion for poker, good. But do not let your passion or lack of activity lead to poor or hasty decisions at the tables. Find a way to keep focus and on your toes so you can build your bankroll at a steady pace.

Later,

[kevinfromhb]

sometomes, I just need to put myself out for a few hands, go to the fridge and get an energy drink, and remind myself that if I win, I win MONEY Then, I go take a leak, and get back in there and fight for the win. Don't know what to tell you about all the donks and weirdos on-lline, but I have seen quite a few in person at some of the local casinos as well. Anyway, in both on-line and live, I'd say that a small break helps me quite a bit.

[Wyte22]

If you are losing interest or getting bored, your getting tired and need to break. If you have a good amount of chips, just walk away for 5-10 minutes, go mix a cocktail or get some air, then come back and play you can tell a difference

[terminatort]

If you dont want to play more tables, I woudl recommend surfing the web or watching tv... I know some of the pros say to stay focused on the game, but if your getting bored and its affecting your play, I would definitely say to do other things at the same time

[paumarhas]

whoa, if your bored with the money send it this way, i read somewhere that being a pro and playing poker all the time is hard work and boring. gl

[RiverstarsVictim]

I'm not so sure surfing the web is such a great idea. It's something I'm guilty of doing myself during periods where I'm card dead and when my table keeps popping up and interupting my surfing asking whether I want to play 83o or 94o every 30 seconds or so it annoys me further I also think a complete break from the screen is more beneficial if you're feeling tiredness. Each to their own I guess.

[LyndaNova]

From what I've read, if you're not bored, you're not playing poker correctly (regarding Texas hold 'em in particular).

Maybe playing 10 person and under sit-n-goes is what you should try. These tournaments don't take as long (1-2 hours) as the big MTTs.

Whatever you choose to do, Good Luck!