Running Bad = Mentally Exhausted

[EyeTie35]

I know everyone hates to hear bad beat stories but I'm all out of answers. I'm searching for help in dealing with this as I don’t want to quit poker outright, so please hear me out.

I have been playing online poker for quite some time now and wouldn’t consider myself an amateur but nor would I consider myself the best player either (plenty of room to grow). I play low limit 6 & 9 ringer Omaha H and Omaha H/L due to my limited amount of funding. Starting about 6 weeks ago I have been on the worst run of losing hands since I’ve played online and do not know how to deal with it anymore.

Every time I have my money in with the best hand or drawing to the nuts, open ended, open ended w/ nut flush draws, top set, crazy hands that either never hit or get sucked out on with calls that make no sense or calls with a draw and hitting a hand that they were obviously never trying to hit and sucking out on me.

It is very hard to sit down at 2-4 tables and lose every time I’m involved in a large pot day after day. I have changed games, amount of tables played, you name it w/ no help. I have been mentally drained; my self confidence is shot and I’m now at a loss of understanding and answers.

That is a brief idea of what I'm going through while trying to better myself as a player and person in this adversity.

I look forward to your feedback!

[liladypokerpro]

Originally Posted by EyeTie35 It is very hard to sit down at 2-4 tables and lose every time I’m involved in a large pot day after day. I have changed games, amount of tables played, you name it w/ no help. I have been mentally drained; my self confidence is shot and I’m now at a loss of understanding and answers.

It sounds like part of your issue is that you are continuing to play even though you recognize that you are on a downward spiral mentally and confidence-wise. Take a break from poker, perhaps look into purchasing some helpful reading materials (preferably only those authored by known professionals), and just take some time off from the game and re-energize your mind and confidence. Reading these materials could possibly arm you with a new arsenal of strategies you may not have previously thought of trying. Taking a break is by no means quitting, and does not suggest you as a quitter...but moreover, a smart and patient player who is willing to learn and grow.

Best wishes!

[Sjoerdo]

I play nl holdem for about 2+ years now. I had a downswing at both sites (party and stars). It started with just a bad run that influenced my play. By then I was not aware that i started playing loser, I just thought I was extremely unlucky. I cashet out my balances and quitted the game for 1,5 month, and after that I started a new balance at ftp (with rakeback). I got the 600 deposit bonus and rakeback which gave me the totally confidence to play at least breakeven. Furthermore I started to play 0.25-0.5nl instead of 0.5-1nl/1-2nl. Always 6 handed. After 2 weeks I started winning again and was able to play 6 tables. My avarage winnings equaled the winnings I used to win at the higher blinds! now I am slowly climbing up again and I think my play has improved a lot. (I also play at party again because they gave me a free restriced balance that I managed to build out) I am aware of the mistakes I made during my bad run but was not aware of them at the time! I think you are starting to play different also but you are just not aware of it. Trust me, at low blinds there is no need of a bad run, bad day(s) at most!. So my advice is, quit the game for a month, don't even think about poker! and start at an other site with a new account.

I wish you all the best!

[kcroln]

For me pesonally the best thing to do is take a break from poker. If you play alot online you can definitely get into cycles when it seems you cannot win even if your getting your money in good. It is very frustrating to run bad and it certainly can effect your play.

When I am in a bad stretch I will simply walk away. I will play XBOX 360 usually or watch a movie. I also love watching poker on TV because it is not my money at stake and it can often give new strategies to try. I also find poker books or magazines helpful when things are going bad. Reading these type of forums is also helpful. I have played for over 5 years online now and think there is always room for improvement.