08-30-04, LearnTexasHoldem:

Breaking Out Of A Slump

Question: I have been playing T.H. about 5days a week online for about 6mo, and following strict patience and sound strategy have managed to make a pretty substantial profit. Lately my winnings have been cut and my losses are getting much worse. After analyzing my play I found that perhaps I'm playing too many SNG tournies, and possibly get more loose from lack of good cards. Aside from playing my normal hand selection, what advice can you give me for breaking out of this slump? Also speaking of SNG's I have gone from finishing ITM usually 1 or 2 out of 3, to maybe one out of 5, but finishing 4th or 5th consistently. I dont think I've changed my play in these, but rather tend to get blinded to nothing without good cards. To clarify I dont sit for monster hands, I try to see about 20% flop ratio if possible.

Thanks for any advice,

J.S.

Top 3 Beginner Rooms

Answer: First of all, I'm not a big fan of SNG tournies. I'm skeptical as to whether that can be consistently beat. Since the time is so brief to win at them you either have to get a slew of good cards or take a crash and burn aggressive style -- neither of which are consistent. If I were you I would stick to more cash games and then play some multi-table tournies.

As to slumps, the first thing I do is take a break. More often that not it helps me get back to winning poker. Poker is draining on your body and your mind so giving them a break is mandatory. It's just like weight lifting, you can't go in everyday and expect to gain. You need to pace yourself and listen to your body. When you feel like you are grinding you need to back off and take some off time.

Unfortunately the signs poker gives you to take a break aren't as obvious since poker has its ups and downs regardless of whether you are feeling good. Because of this you need to make sure you schedule time off -- I would take a week off every couple months. The next tip I would give is to make sure the style you are using is correct for the games where you play.

You don't want to second guess your strategy every time you lose but if you are consistently coming up short then that is a signal that something isn't right. Watch some other winning players at that level and try to get an idea if you are playing comparable poker.

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