Downswing Blues - suggestions?

[F Paulsson]

In dealing with my current downswing, I've tried to find alternative ways to spend my time instead of playing poker. Here are my options so far:

1. Take a bottle of Dalwhinnie and a bottle of The Glenlivet, and see if I can decide which of the two tastes better after 13 consecutive shots.
2. Run naked around the block until someone notices.
3. Quit my dayjob, because I've surely used up all my rotten luck by now, and will win the next 1,000 hands I get dealt.

Other, non-serious, suggestions?

My actual response to my downswing will be to do this:
1. Go back and re-read some poker literature. Not primarily to improve (although I'm sure it will help), but more to reinforce my confidence in my play.
2. Step down a notch in limits and play, because I've noticed myself becoming a tad too passive because of the implicit tilt, and the lesser relative value of the chips should take care of that problem.

Other, serious, suggestions?

 

[twizzybop]

Take a break from the game for awhile. A day or two.. or maybe a few days. Then go back.

 

[tenbob]

I agree with Twizzy (for a change loool). I had a major downswing a few months ago and i just took 2 weeks off poker. I was oozing confidence when i came back to the game.

Looks like im in the starting stages of another downswing at the moment though. After a good 2 month winning phase

 

[Nick]

Other, serious, suggestions?

Sure! There's an articles section up the top that needs adding to

 

[robwhufc]

Step down a notch in limits and play, because I've noticed myself becoming a tad too passive because of the implicit tilt, and the lesser relative value of the chips should take care of that problem.

I'd go up a level instead - the extra risk will focus your mind better.

 

[F Paulsson]

I'd go up a level instead - the extra risk will focus your mind better.

I like this suggestion, if not only because it's so very... Aggressive.

The reason I might not go with it (I'll ponder it some more) is that one of the effects of my downswing is that I'm turning a tad tight/passive. But sitting down at a table with the presumption that the $120 that I bring are there to be spent playing the best poker I can play, I suppose is not all too crazy.

Oh, Rob, you tempter, you.

 

[F Paulsson]

Sure! There's an articles section up the top that needs adding to

*cough* Sir, yes, sir!

 

[Dorkus Malorkus]

Keep entering play money SnGs and push all in every hand, waiting until the glorious moment your 52o beats AA and the AA guy unleashes a barrage of expletives at you. Great fun. >_>

I'd go up a level instead - the extra risk coupled with your negative feelings will cause you to play scared and most likely lose lots of money.

I fixed that for you.

Ok, seriously, if you're running bad but still want some inviolvement in poker despite the bad run affecting your play, reading is a great idea, there are always new things to learn. Perhaps read some literature on and start really learning a new game such as Stud or Omaha?

 

[F Paulsson]

Perhaps read some literature on and start really learning a new game such as Stud or Omaha?

It's funny how great minds think alike. I actually sat down at a $.04/$.08 stud table earlier, to play around some. I'll do some re-reading (planning to buy new books when I get to the US in a few weeks, as many of them are hard to find here in sweden) and play around with Omaha and Stud.

 

[HoldemChamp]

Hey other than a few tournies here and there and playing 1/2 penny for a quick 5 or 10 cent win I have been away from poker for like 2 months.

Explains why I haven't posted as of late here. Or anywhere else for the matter. I had to take the break.

When you get in a major downswing the best thing is to step away from things and refocus. Sometimes it takes a couple of days. Other times it takes longer.

But, the break usually is the best thing you can do. Better than wallowing in defeat and going on tilt trying to get your money back.

 

[Gizzi315]

I haven't been playing that long, but I have had good and bad days, too. Taking a break seems to work best for me too.... whether it is just from a site I am having trouble with or from the game itself (maybe try Omaha or somerthing for a change of pace) or from cards completely. Otherwise I am not relaxed enough to focus on how the cards "feel" and I make more bad calls.

I am not sure how much advice coing form such a newbie to the world of poker would be worth to an experienced player, but there is my two cents in any case

Hope to see you at the tables soon!
Gizzi :hello: