Every dog has its day; just like every poker players has their
fair share of bad runs. Anyone who has played poker surely has
experienced a bad streak where the cards just seem to be going
every way but yours. Especially with those who play regularly
or even play poker for a living, a bad run of cards really
messes with your head, and affects you psychologically. A bad
run of cards can make you quickly forget that only a month ago,
you were seemingly unstoppable. A bad run can nearly cause you
to forget you are really a solid poker player.
Most people try to change things up during a bad streak. They tend to switch it up from playing tournaments at PokerStars to grinding it out on the cash tables of FullTilt, trying to change scenery and outrun the black cloud. Poker players on bad runs also switch from limit to no limit or vice versa. Anything to evade disaster, running for cover trying to weather the storm we have come to know as the extreme negative end of volatility in the beast known as poker.
While there is no magic formula for escaping a bad run of cards, here are some tips to make your bad run a bit more tolerable.
Remind Yourself You Can’t Control The Cards
Understand that while there are several things you can control at the poker table, such as how you play a hand, whether you play a hand or fold it – the cards you are dealt and the cards coming on the flop or on later streets are beyond your control. No matter how much you wish the ace to stay in the deck, you cannot control whether or not the ace hits the board.
We should only concern ourselves with that which is within our control. Worrying about the cards, stressing over the forthcoming river are all things we cannot control. When we start sweating cards, we are stressing ourselves unnecessarily. It is bad enough we are experiencing a downswing to our bankroll; we do not need to stress ourselves further with something we cannot change. Focusing only on what we can change, and not worrying about the things beyond our control will help make a bad session of poker less stressful.
Take A Deep Breath And Count To Ten
Sometimes just simply taking a breather will help us during tough times. Maybe we need to vent for a bit about the rough day at the office. Perhaps we were just rubbed the wrong way by another player at the poker table. Stepping away from the poker table for a little while to regroup cannot hurt. It allows us to blow off some steam. However, that does not mean abandon poker. A warrior who gets his first flesh wound on the battleground bandages himself up and reengages the enemy. Be a warrior, collect yourself and get back on the poker table.
Reflect On Your Game Play With An Open Mind
Take a look at your game with your favorite poker tracking program, such as PokerOffice. Look at your statistics and be honest with yourself. Are you playing out of position? Are you seeing too many flops? Are your bets sized correctly? Are you making big plays without being certain you have the proper reads? Sometimes we find out that it is a bit more than simply a bad run of cards. Remaining objective is key to plugging our leaks, especially during tough times! Fooling yourself into thinking it is the cards is not the answer.
Look at the statistics. The numbers do not lie. Analyzing your game can only help, so go over your poker stats with a fine toothcomb and an open mind. Jot down areas of concern. Devise a plan to plug your leaks at the poker table. Commit to plugging your leaks. Talk with a trusted and respected member of your favorite poker strategy forum. Ask for feedback. Accept the feedback from fellow poker forum members with an open mind. Take the criticism lightly, as the advice is meant to help. Once you have received your feedback, fire up the games at Carbon Poker or your online poker site of choice and get back into the game.
Every Dog Has Their Day
Bad beats happen. While there is no magic formula to overcome a bad run of cards, you can make life a bit easier. Remaining calm, worrying about only that which you can control, and thinking about your game objectively are all ways to work through a bad run at a poker site. With some thought, a little refocus and a bit of luck, your bad run of cards will end sooner than you think!