When you don't expect to win, you shouldn't be playing.

[frob23]

When you don't expect to win, you shouldn't be playing. This is true even if you are probably one of the stronger people at the table. I ran into this recently where I was having a real bad run (dropping 4-5 buy-ins in fairly rapid succession).

What happened, to finally wake me up, was getting someone to commit their stack with 3 outs and 1 card to come. And, when I saw their hand, realizing that I expected them to win. I expected it despite being a 13.7-1 favorite. When they drew out, and believe me -- they did, I caught myself right before rebuying. I realized that I was in a good game and probably had an edge but that I was mentally unprepared to be playing and needed a break.

Your attitude will not control the cards. Being positive will not stop a bad beat from coming nor will being negative bring one upon you. But you can't be playing well if you don't expect to be. And I wasn't. I realized that the reason I got him to commit with 3 outs was because I was over-playing my own hand. I put the guy on a weak Ace, I had a better one, and I got him to commit his whole stack with a large check/raise on the turn. I had only top pair and top kicker but I was willing to play for stacks!?! Sure, it was right because I had him on the hand I expected... and yes, the guy was playing bad enough that I got him calling in that spot... but it will still not a great play most of the time, if I was to make it often enough.

I was playing poorly and overly aggressive and not taking my time and calmly playing. And I was expecting to lose... I expected to leave that table with less than I sat with. Even though I was playing stronger hands than the rest of the table, I was not a favorite to win. Once I realized that, I stood up and decided to walk away for a couple days.

Come to the table prepared to win. And be ready to do what it takes to win. If you expect to lose, you might just find yourself getting into positions where you make it possible. And if you put yourself in enough of those, one or two of them will manage to get the job done.