Frustration...

[Talking Poker]

I'm looking forward to the WSOP - I really am. But I have to tell you, I'm just not looking at online poker the same as I used to any more. It's been a while since I've really enjoyed playing. I've been on a downswing for a while, but it hasn't been THAT bad or anything (well, not recently - it was in April). I'm basically about even for the last two months.

I dunno. I'm honestly tempted to cash out and enjoy what's left of my online bankroll (still 5 figures, but significantly less than it was about 4 months ago). But I'm afraid I might regret that if I do.

I feel like I'm not ready to admit defeat yet, and I feel like if I look at my play objectively, I shouldn't NEED to admit defeat. I'm easily a winning player overall and I think I will continue to be in the long run, but this short run stuff just sucks after a while. I mean, bad sessions and weeks are one thing, but bad months can really wear on you.

Anyone have any advice?

If I was to give myself advice, I'd tell myself to cash out all but some set amount of money. I don't know how much - maybe $2000-$5000. And then start fresh. Move WAY down in stakes (this is something else I have trouble with... knowing that I am (was) capable of beating the $5/10 NL game and killing the $3/6 game, it's going to be mighty tough for me to move down and start over at $1/2. But that's probably what I should do.

Like I said, it just hasn't been fun for me recently.

Here's hoping a monster cash at the WSOP changes my attitude, but if it doesn't, what do you guys think I should do?

[omahilo]

I would say to cash out some and buy yourself something nice then start fresh at 1/2 NL and work your way back up, maybe you will feel good about playing online again.

From the sounds of it, it sounds like you own everything that you need so this might not be best. You could alway plan a trip for yourself that you will pay for out of your poker winnings (like sjay).

[thrash1294]

That sounds like a solid plan move down and try to have fun again.

[drewjax]

I would suggest playing something completely different. I found this helped me in the past. I got really sick of playing, and I played alot of O8 for a few weeks. Try that, maybe play some low limit razz for a couple weeks. Maybe some pineapple on UB. Move way down in stakes, and play LOTS of hands. Play uber aggressive and just try to be a monster post flop etc. Play some limit poker.
Anything but what you have been playing.
I think it may help your game. It helped mine for whatever reason.

Of course I have no experience playing at the levels you have played, so take it for what its worth.

GL

pwn the series


Edit: I remember DN suggesting something like this in one of his blogs. He suggested move way way down in stakes, whatever is real small for you. And play EVERY HAND. Then try to play your best on the turn and river. Really try to read your opp. betting patterns etc. He said this will really be a help to alot of players. Take it from him, not me. He is Goot.

[JDMcNugent7]

i think im on the longest bad streak of my life.
stake me

[Kurn]

Drop down in limits and play a completely different game. Say 3/6 to 5/10 HORSE, or Stud for a while. It'll clean out the cobwebs in your poker mind and allow you to go back to your best game in a few months with a clear head. After spending a good deal of time playing a variety of games, I find I'm making better decisions at my best game, limit HE.

After playing a variety of different games for a while, everything in your best game seems clearer.

[Invigilator]

I can't pretend that I "understand" your situation b/c I am just not there. However, I strongly agree with Kurn and Drew. If I feel like I am going numb in the slightest bit I play something else at a very low level (Stud, OH, O8, Razz and HORSE). Being exposed to other dimensions of poker does shake things up.

Also, if you can float it, use some of that cash for a trip or other "I always wanted to do that" experience. Why not travel and visit your favourite TP members and try to beat their home games?

[Zybomb]

Final Table 2-3 Events at the Series this year and quit your bitchin

Seriously going from

or

to

is simply unacceptable!

Didn't you used to be a Limit Cash Game player and NL Tournament player? Maybe going back to the limit grind will be a good change of pace -- as well as playing in a few of the Sunday tournies or something to that effect

OR do what I do - get some Live playing in. It's social, entertaining and fun, not to mention filled with donkeys.... and it's a different type of game

[2Tone]

Hmm. Some good advice so far. I don’t know about dropping way down in limits online though. If you have the discipline it could be good for your game, but I for one would get bored, and play too many hands. And running bad at lower limits, while not as costly to the roll, would not be good for the confidence.

Depending on how things are going in your other endeavors, I love the idea of cashing out a good chunk of the roll and using it for a vacation/change of scenery. Find out how Biloxi/N.O are recovering from Katrina, and sample the live game there. Cruise down Sunset Strip/Venice Beach, then go see if the stories of No-Fold-Em Hold Em at the Bike and Commerce are true. Better yet, hit the pot limit games – and museums -- of Amsterdam and Paris. Or hell, come up here to Seattle, and be the best player ever to sit in our local 3/6 limit donkeyfest.

Alternatively, you could just … stop. One of the great things about poker is there’s always another hand being dealt. So if you don’t play a single hand for a month, or a season, or however long it takes til you feel you want to be dealt in and play your best game, that’s fine. It’ll be there waiting for you.

Of course, all of this advise if meant to be followed AFTER your huge cash in a series event.

[drewjax]

anyone feel like nutbarring some .02NL on stars to let some steam off.

must play at least 80% of hands.......its goot for the soul