I am struggling in live play.

Right now I am in a bit of a slump when it come to playing live. I haven't won in like the last 8 times that I have played. I used to be a much better live player then online player, at one time I finished in 1st or 2nd place in 7 straight small tournaments with somewhere between 8-27 people in them. Now I am much better at playing online but I need to get back to being a good live player really soon in time for that final table. I don't know how this happened and I am still trying to find a way to fix this problem.

What are your problems when you play live? I have no idea how to suggest help if I dont know what areas to get into. If you could give further details it would help.

I think that the main problem is that we usually only do $10 tournaments and the people really don't care if they lose anymore so they will play almost anything. This makes it harder for me to win because I have not been getting any good cards lately and whenever I try to bluff these people will call with any pair or any kind of draw.

So basically its not you (as much as it their play). Just wait for the hands to come thats all i can say from what you gave us.

Look at the big picture. Over the long run do you still have a good % of times in the money? You said you placed first or second in 7 straight at one time (which is a fantastic run), possibly this little bad run is just the long term odds evening themselves out. I wouldn't read too much into it.

My only suggestion would be to take a break and come back at it fresh later on.

I think that you are accurate in saying that the buy in is so low that it has become insignificant in your live games. Suggest upping the ante on your games. If they are not willing to do so, then you just need to turn the odds into your favor. Be super patient and wait for a top 10 starting hand. Overbet the pot when you hit the flop so that you can bet out draws. When they see how tight and aggressive you are playing, throw in the occassional bluff against a weak board and take down their chips. Switch up your style a little bit. Sounds to me like you need to get back to controlling the pace of the game.

I would have to agree with the tight play. My home games have come to and end because I keep winning 90% of the tournaments I play with my friends. I also know it is hard to convice your friends to up the buy in because I tried for the longest time with my buddies to raise it to $30-$50, but with no success. If you are trying also to improve your live game then I suggest trying to find local tournys or smaller casino tournys to play in because they usually have better players involved which will help your game.

I am not good at live play. I get all nervous just being at the table... I get distracted by the things people are saying and other things going on. I find it easier to play online.

Accept the fact that your winning run was merely a hot run of cards.

Sounds harsh , but it is probably true. The hardest thing to get your head around is if you start by winning, because every single poker player who starts off by winning alot has the assumption that they will continue winning.

Look back at the text files of the tourneys you did well in, and see what you did good, and what you did bad. Did you call much when the pot odds didnt favour you, or get in too deep when you shouldnt have.


BEST OF LUCK TO YOU