Lately I have been getting so frustrated with my own play.

[frob23]

I think part of my frustration is that I am still having a bad run of cards and am losing. But more than that, it's bothering me that I want to loosen up and play more aggressively with less but I know better. I feel this sick urge to reraise with bottom pair on a scary flop... knowing that I am almost certainly drawing dead if I get called. And to bet the end when it's clear to half the world that I only have top pair and it's no good anymore. I have a twisted desire to 3-bet medium pairs pre-flop when the reraise came from the table rock...

In short... I am fighting a self-destructive urge to drive my bankroll right into the ground. Not that some of these places would always be bad places to make these plays -- especially if I thought the fold equity was right -- but in $10NL you are never getting the right amount of fold equity in these spots so you're going to have to show down the hand.

I am just so tired of flopping a set... betting the pot on the flop, 150% of the pot on the turn, having that 3rd flush card come on the river, and watching the caller make an undersized bet that I know means he hit his flush (but I have to call because it's 5-10% of the size of the pot)... and sure enough, he was drawing all the way with nothing but Q-3 suited. Normally, well even during this run I have been trying, I remind myself that these people are how I make money playing poker... they're paying the wrong price all the way to draw out... and over time, that's where the money comes in... but it's killing my spirit to consistently be on the wrong side of this here.

I know it's not completely my play (although I have made some royally bone-headed calls and plays at times which surely amount to some portion of my losses)... but I am getting frustrated with my play because it's become so tedious... I can only keep playing right... there's nothing else I can do... and wait it out.

[liladypokerpro]

Originally Posted by frob23 ...watching the caller make an undersized bet that I know means he hit his flush (but I have to call because it's 5-10% of the size of the pot)...

You know, lately I've seen more and more people ignoring their gut feelings and instincts, and rather letting the odds and percentages dictate their every move. Are odds and percentages a tool or a manual to be followed to the letter?

[Brooklynbum]

I had mentioned before in a previous post. Math vs. Instinct is something that will always be in question playing cards.

I think that a lot of internet players rely on the math aspect of it more so than live play. During live play you can see a person face to face and "sense" something and act accordingly.

Then again on the internet the players are so loosey goosey that it doesn't make much difference whether they're 80% ahead or 80% behind.

I think the real problem is that you're playing the micro limits, which demands that you play tighter and normal. I built my bankroll playing micro limits and I never put in money even if it was one dime if I thought I was behind. As you move up limits, betting becomes more and more important and the money won or lost increases accordingly.

Given the "one long game" theory, I think that if you continue to put your money with the best of it, you'll make hay overall.

Don't let the short term variance get to you. Continue to play solid poker and the results will follow...sooner or later.

Hope this helps.

[RiverstarsVictim]

At times variance can seem soul destroying and when it feels like it's neverending it definately affects your game.

When I find myself in this position (which seems to be often) I try something different. If you're playing FR try 5-6 max. Try playing omaha or SnG's for a while. Seek out a new site with an easy to clear bonus, it works wonders for a bit of an ego boost when you start winning again, I remember everestpoker was very kind to me. Even googling downswings and reading other people's experiences can be soothing, it suddenly makes you realise things aren't quite so bad afterall

[alienrobot2]

odds and perscentages how is this figured out? some one get back to me.

[liladypokerpro]

Originally Posted by alienrobot2 odds and perscentages how is this figured out? some one get back to me.

Here's a good starting point:

Beginners Guide to Pot Odds

[Vito_Nuccio]

From your posts and playing against you I am pretty sure you know this game and more. Too bad you are mired in a slump. Do not make drastic changes, it will turn around. It is so easy to try and chase or loosen up when not winning. Remember, you were winning before with the same style, stick with it. Maybe some minor adjustments can be made, but if playing a previous winning style, the tides will turn if you keep it up.

Let the fish and donks pay for their draws, the suckouts will not continue forever and your account will be back on the rise. Play well and it will pay, eventually...............

Later,

[frob23]

Yeah, this was mostly just a rant because I am getting so frustrated. Lately I haven't been able to find the time to play anyway... so it's not that bad. I can use the break. Maybe it will be better when I come back all rested and everything.