one reason why I suck

melioris · #1 11-16-06, 06:49 PM

Yesterday I played a lot of results orientated poker. I had some time and made some time to play, something I don’t usually do, but I was totally in the wrong mind-set. It didn’t help that I missed every flop (it seemed that way at least) and 3 times I was outflopped (2 sets over sets and 1 time 2nd nut flush vs nut flush) but mostly I lost because I was desperate to win. And I lost a ton, 6 buyins when it was all done (lost 4 of them on the above hands that I don’t think I misplayed).

I am not sure what I am trying to accomplish with this post, other than to point out that I think my biggest weakness as a poker player is playing in the wrong frame of mind. Any one else have this problem?

Talking Poker · #2 11-16-06, 09:07 PM

Don't forget about variance. She is an evil bitch at times.

You could have just as easily been on the good side of those 2nd best flop situations and would have logged a winning session. Had that happened, would you still have thought you were "playing in the wrong frame of mind?"

If the answer is no, then stop being results oriented.

melioris · #3 11-17-06, 02:22 PM

This is a good point. However, I still would believe that I would be playing in the wrong frame of mind the other day. Let me put it another way, I have been way too willing to GAMBOL!!! lately, because I just HAVE to win. Does that make sense?

Aequitas58 · #4 11-17-06, 03:15 PM

This is what I used to tell myself three years ago, when I would have a bad session at the Casino or at a home game. It's not ME, because I'm good and I know what I'm doing, but I just wasn't in the right frame of mind tonight... etc etc.

No. Fast foward three years, I can easily say that I was making excuses for being a tight nit. Not that you're a tight nit, but are you sure you want to say that you're BIGGEST weakness is "frame of mind"?? LOL. Without even watching you play, I doubt it.

If frame of mind was your weakness, then you would absolutely destroy poker when you were in the right frame of mind. Do you?

Take a step back, realize you're a learning amateur, accept variance, and set goals to get better. I promise you you will look back and laugh at your biggest weakness being frame of mind.

GL.

Reel Deal · #5 11-17-06, 03:22 PM

I don't know Lou, if that ^^ is his frame of mind, that's a problem.

melioris · #6 11-17-06, 04:12 PM

I appreciate your comments Aeq. They are probably more spot on than I care to admit. I am sure that is isn't my biggest weakness (maybe hyperbole is) but I have been happily toiling away in the micro levels for two years now grinding away a tidy profit (3-8 buyins on average/month-sure some worse and some better, but on average that is a pretty fair estimate) and withdrawing each month. Last month I decided to try and build my roll and get out of the micros. Instead of just playing my game (usually a tight nit, FWIW) I have placed too much expectation on the results of each session and it affects how I play.

Yes, the solution is obvious. Set reasonable goals and get back to happily grinding it out. But for whatever reason, I have a hard time doing that. My comment about GAMBOL was intended to communicate that down in the micros, I should not be placing myself in coinflip situations (skewing it in my favor due to fold equity). But because I am trying to build the roll as quick as possible, I overplay some hands and it is starting to piss me off. So this thread originally was intended to get some feedback (which I am quite appreciative of) and put the frustration somewhere so I can hopefully get back to normal.

I hope I am not coming off as defensive, as I am open to what you are saying. I am only trying to better communicate my situation.

Aequitas58 · #7 11-17-06, 04:22 PM

Mel,

Low limits suck, and they are exceptionally frustrating. It's hard to grind out $35 or $50 and feel good about it, and then have to log on and hear about JD winning a $2500 pot, or Boobie qualifying for the PCA.

If you're tired of ring games, I'd suggest playing tournaments. Grind out SNGs and the 180 MTTs. When you get to $2000, pick up the cash games again and see how you do. If you like the new niche that you've found, keep on playing them. If, after a good faith attempt, you don't like them, switch back. This is supposed to be a hobby!

Either way, you need to put time in. You need to get hands in... that's the only way (anything) will happen. At least that's what I'm told.

EDIT: And stop trying to build a "quick" bankroll... at the ring games, it's a recipe for disaster.