Dont Let Bad Poker Ruin Your Life

Losing in Poker

Like any other game, one must know that Poker also has winners and losers. Also, like winning can make you feel on top of the world both mentally and financially, the reverse can happen when you lose.

The importance of knowing when to quit is a truism among poker pundits. You should leave the game, they opine, when any of the following factors are present:- You are tired.

- You are tired.

- You are on tilt.

- A beatable game with lots of weak players has suddenly changed, whether due to the addition of a few tough spots, the departure of opponents whose play is weak, or the tightening up of someone who has been giving a lot of action suddenly gets even and starts playing his hands more selectively.

- Also if you are upset about something outside the game - if that is affecting your play (if you’re worried about problems at home or at work, or have a deadline or other preoccupation).

- If you’ve set a monetary goal and reached it, or if you’ve set a stop loss and have lost the amount you promised yourself would be the most you’d allow for that session.

- You should quit if your gut tells you it is time to go. Trust your instincts…just GO

You lose when the following happen:

Too predictable. This is especially true if you were once a winning player against the same opponents and are now losing to them on a regular basis. They know you for sure. Elevate your game by adding some deceptive plays to your arsenal.

Playing in tough games.

You could be the fifth best poker player in the world, but if you're seated at a table with the top four players in the world, well, you're the sucker! Game selection is as important to your bankroll as how you play the game.

Lack of fundamentals.

This is a common reason for losing. But learning poker fundamentals is as easy as picking up a few great books and working on expanding your knowledge base.

If you don't have a solid foundation for making poker decisions, you'll always be a step behind. Learn how to play the game the right way by focusing on the basics, and when you get those down, add the elements of your own style to the mix.

Playing on tilt.

The most significant factor in your overall results is how you handle yourself when you get unlucky. Many players lose their cool and their bankrolls soon follow.

Taking a bad beat or two is inevitable. The difference between long-term winners and losers is how bad luck affects their play over the course of the session. You don't want to lose your patience by playing hands you know you shouldn't be playing. If you simply can't handle the stress related to bad beats, then do yourself a favor and quit before things turn ugly.