The more I play, the worse I get...

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CXC

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I've never been a very successful poker player. Truth be told, over my 7 years at the tables, I've always lost. I've had dreams and fantasies of turning this into career but those are long gone and now I just play for fun every once in a while. The thing is, I don't think I'm a bad player. My problem is that my brain is just not built for this game.

I've noticed a pattern in the way that I play. When I make my return after a long break from the tables I feel energized and ready to go! I feel strong! I play well and make the right calls! I just feel completely in sync with everything that is happening. More importantly, I'm always focused!

After the first few games pass, that's when things start to go bad for me. The focus starts to fade and I begin making poor decisions. I get into self destructive pattern and usually get pissed off and take another break. It's a never ending cycle. I don't know what happens but I just get really bored. Unlike the first few games where all I have open is the table and that's all, as I play more often... I'm opening up YouTube, going on the internet, thinking of things completely unrelated to the game. Even when I tell myself to focus I slip back into these patterns! It's killing me because I think I'm capable of playing well, I just make too many mental stumbles for some reason.

Anyone go through this problem? Any suggestions?!
 
theskillzdatklls

theskillzdatklls

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understand your current state of mind better and act on it. i learned a lot about my mental stamina and state of mind through poker, more than anything else.
 
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Lip

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It can happen to anyone. And for sure myself. And things fall apart the more I play in a negative mind state. Step back and take a small break. Playing poker requires a lot of thinking and positive mind state. Once you are not on your game well you are not playing to your capabilities. Review some the hand history see what you could of did different. Don't let the feeling only you sink in. The more positive you are the clearer your mind is the better you play to capabilities and the less you will doubt yourself
 
ScottieDuncan

ScottieDuncan

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The more U Play

I was the same way for a long time. I have learned over time that it takes patience after the first few games. U get the feeling that you are too good and the fact is that this causes u to make the bad decisions. Have patience and it will pay off.
 
nitulbhatia

nitulbhatia

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Seems like you are reloading again and again over the last 7 years from what youve written. Id suggest if you are now only playing for fun you could play play chips on any major site and avoid playing real money poker so it doesnt cost you. On the other hand if you are ok paying a small price then continue.
 
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mattmehrens

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i feel the same way, ihavent been playing for 7 years, i have seen unbelievable bad beats, that make me want to never play online again.lol
 
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cliff67

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the problem with onlie poker is you will always get that one person who will call you with total shit hoping to get lucky... 90% of the time they do. i cannot tell you how many times it has happened to me. i just think to myself i can't believe you called me with that crap and just move on... theres nothing you can do about a bad beat... it just happens i guess
 
Jblocher1

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We all go through times like this. Don't worry just learn to focus better during your sessions and you should be fine
 
PLAYINBIG

PLAYINBIG

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I've went through losing streaks & wondered,"what in the heck is wrong with me,why am I losing?"I have even grabbed a poker book & read it.It didn't help.If any thing I got worse.Not saying nothing bad about the author of the book or nothing.I believe its just losing streaks... if it happens 1 to 3 days, but if it happens more than that, like 1 to 3 months of losing something has to be wrong in a players game play. People get used to your betting patterns and you have to change the game up.
 
vinylspiros

vinylspiros

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dude sometimes i think of never playing again. and sometimes i think im going to quit my job tomorrow and live off of poker. its a disease u cant get rid of.
 
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lilturkgirl86

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it might be you have to focus more on the cards, or your set in a routine in how your play.. always look for leaks in yourself, and other oppenants.. think that each session you should always make the best plays.. and its natural to comeback playing better after a break, sometimes thats the best thing a player can do.
 
aa88wildbill

aa88wildbill

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A good poker player always examines his play, and is willing to change if need be. I think you have already taken the first step. Now you must be willing to change. So either play a couple games and get out, or find a way to focus!
 
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sylpoker1

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It,s always a little more fun to play after having a little break from poker.Sometimes if u play too much,it can really start to feel like a job.If the focus isnt there,you probably wont do well that day in your games.Altho i know a lot of people watch movies, TV, etc, while they play and still manage to win sometimes.good luck.
 
okeedokalee

okeedokalee

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Try and stick to games that don't drift on and on and you can minimize the buy-in.Single table SNGs fit this pattern.I really enjoy DONs.
MTTs I find it easy to make an early stack but like you tend to get easily distracted or bored later on.
 
vinylspiros

vinylspiros

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Try and stick to games that don't drift on and on and you can minimize the buy-in.Single table SNGs fit this pattern.I really enjoy DONs.
MTTs I find it easy to make an early stack but like you tend to get easily distracted or bored later on.
A small leak will sink a great ship = genius! very nice quote.
 
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