We’ve all been there. Through the dungeon of downswings in poker where everywhere you turn is a dead-end or a scary monster called BadBeatBogeyman. You try to run in another direction where there seems to be some light, carrying with you your precious AAs, KKs, and AKs, and suddenly out pops another monster called HaHaGotchaOnTheRiver.
Tupac has a word of advice for all of us, and it’s crazy, it seems it will never let up, but please you gotta keep your head up when playing poker. So what do we do during this defeating, demoralizing, dungeonesque time?
Here are some of my ways of breaking through to the other side.
Take Time Off
– You learn more in failure than you ever do in success–Jay-Z
First thing you have to do is just take some time off. Just log off from the poker app or go home from the poker room and spend time with friends and family. Your brain will be running through all the bad beat scenarios but try to shake it off and be in the moment. Let your subconscious sift through the poker hands you’ve played over the past weeks and let it figure out how you could have played better poker while you just tune out and relax your mind and body.
Accept the Fact of Variance
It’s gonna be a long long journey, It’s gonna be an uphill climb, It’s gonna be a tough fight but I’m ready to carry on.
Mary J Blige
Variance is a fact that we players have to accept playing poker, the same that leads to downswings. We just have to make a plan for those days or weeks when it hits the hardest and hope that each time we go through it, we come out stronger, better poker players. Maybe it is the nature of the game to have us step away to take that time out to rejuvenate ourselves.
Stop the Bad Beat Stories
– Sometimes you just gotta let shit go, and say ‘To hell with it and move on”. -Eminem
There is no point in compounding your misery by complaining about your bad beats, really. It just makes you live through the pain over and over again while you start to tend towards criminalization by thinking how you want to kill the person who called your AQs with 86o. It does no good and keeps your brain focused on the negative outcome and associated unhealthy emotions.
Bankroll Management
– My mind on my money and my money on my mind. –Snoop Dogg
When your brain gives you the inkling that you might be at the beginning of a downswing in poker, first think about your money. You do not want to be playing high stakes or buying into poker tournaments you cannot afford when you know what the outcome is going to be. Your ego might be telling you that you can beat the downswing in poker, turn it around, but it’s better to explore that theory using smaller amounts than usual.
Count Your Blessings
– Sometimes I feel as though I’ve been blessed, because I’m doing what I want, so I never rest.- Beastie Boys
Try to have a positive outlook when you are going through a downswing in poker. Think about the fact that you are getting to do what you love, playing poker. Go through your records and look at all the healthy scores you had over the past few months.
Also See: Tips to Stay Motivated to Play Poker Online
Remember the good things you did with the money you made, maybe you gave some to your family, bought something for somebody that needed it, made a donation to a charity. This will help you focus on the fact that this is just a phase and all you have to do is get through it.
Work Away from the Tables
– Success doesn’t just land on your lap. You have to work, work, work and work some more.– Sean Combs
The best way to take advantage of your downswing in poker is to work on your game away from the tables. You might think you know everything there is to know about poker but that is not the case.
There is much to learn and to be the best you have to continuously improve your game. Watch videos, read articles, work on your mental game. You will come back to the game with a fresh perspective and a better chance to improve your consistency at the tables.
Rebuild Your Confidence
– And even when I was close to defeat, I rose to my feet, my life is like a soundtrack I wrote to the beat.– Dr. Dre
Downswings give a beating to a poker player’s confidence. You end up questioning yourself, your poker skills, your intelligence, your entire being. It can overwhelm you and leave you depressed and miserable. These are the times to believe that your ability to rise up will shape your character, so no more sniveling and moping. Pull yourself together, do things you love or do something new to get your mind off the downswing. Focus on eating right, sculpting your body, enhancing your mental game, and doing something nice for others. It will do wonders for your confidence and for your game.
I know it’s all easier said than done. But the next time you’re staring at the abyss, try one or more of the above, I guarantee you will feel better and eventually do better-playing poker. Imagine the prospect of coming back to the game after each downswing with renewed focus, a sharper game, and positive energy, what more could you ask for!
Oh yeah, and you can send me your thank yous for giving you the best advice ever, in the form of chocolate, lollipops, and ice cream. I need sugar during my downswings in poker.
