Beanfacekilla
Legend
Silver Level
Hello. I have started this thread to discuss how to deal with the cold waves of cards all poker players must endure.
Over the years, it seems cold cards strike now and again. If the wave lasts for an hour or two, no big deal. But sometimes, it seems to be neverending. I have just struck out with three buy ins over the last week, getting cold cards.
I play live. I was reading some threads, and it seems many of this forums members play online. I am telling you this because live players are considerably worse than online players (in my humble opinion, from my experience). I play live because I like the environment, and the soft competition.
But when I get cold cards, I feel powerless. I start losing my confidence. Meanwhile, these ultra aggressive players entering pots with ATC are chugging along.
I am patient. I wait for premium (we all tilt, but I don't tilt very much). I consider position very important. So I finally look down at A-Ko or something better in late position. I make my standard raise (which I establish on the table). Usually I get at least one caller, maybe multiple callers. Then, an ugly flop for my hand. This has happened the last 3 buy ins. Sometimes I c-bet here, sometimes not. Depends on how many opponents, and their table image.
How do the rest of you manage a downswing? How can I keep myself and my game intact in spite of my confidence going on a downswing too?
I try not to fault other players for the way they play. I try to always ask myself: Where did I go wrong, and how could I have played that hand better?
But, we are all human. I never insult anyone at the table. I always say nice things, or nothing at all. If I get busted, I leave with class. No speech, no complaining. But I have my thoughts. I just can't believe some of the crap people chase with.
But some of these players are just so bad, I can't even believe they have chips in front of them for any length of time. This is why I play poker, to exploit the weak players, and win money - plain and simple. But when I can't hit any cards, I am powerless. I am worried this may be the beginning of an epic downswing, and that is why I started this thread. It is very tough to bluff bad players. They simply don't even think about table image, position, anything. They are so inattentive, they don't even know you haven't played a hand in 45 minutes.
Is there anything I can do to help avoid a big downswing? Should I stay away from the tables for a while? I love poker, and I am motivated. I am slowly building a bankroll. I do not want to go bust because of this.
I should also add I have no desire to play online seriously. It is just not my scene. And I am not much of a MTT player. I thrive on live cash tables. I am pretty decent at reading people, and I can't do this online. I only mention this because someone may suggest playing online low stakes or something. I am not dismissing it entirely, just saying it will take some convincing to get me to play online.
Any help would be appreciated.
Over the years, it seems cold cards strike now and again. If the wave lasts for an hour or two, no big deal. But sometimes, it seems to be neverending. I have just struck out with three buy ins over the last week, getting cold cards.
I play live. I was reading some threads, and it seems many of this forums members play online. I am telling you this because live players are considerably worse than online players (in my humble opinion, from my experience). I play live because I like the environment, and the soft competition.
But when I get cold cards, I feel powerless. I start losing my confidence. Meanwhile, these ultra aggressive players entering pots with ATC are chugging along.
I am patient. I wait for premium (we all tilt, but I don't tilt very much). I consider position very important. So I finally look down at A-Ko or something better in late position. I make my standard raise (which I establish on the table). Usually I get at least one caller, maybe multiple callers. Then, an ugly flop for my hand. This has happened the last 3 buy ins. Sometimes I c-bet here, sometimes not. Depends on how many opponents, and their table image.
How do the rest of you manage a downswing? How can I keep myself and my game intact in spite of my confidence going on a downswing too?
I try not to fault other players for the way they play. I try to always ask myself: Where did I go wrong, and how could I have played that hand better?
But, we are all human. I never insult anyone at the table. I always say nice things, or nothing at all. If I get busted, I leave with class. No speech, no complaining. But I have my thoughts. I just can't believe some of the crap people chase with.
But some of these players are just so bad, I can't even believe they have chips in front of them for any length of time. This is why I play poker, to exploit the weak players, and win money - plain and simple. But when I can't hit any cards, I am powerless. I am worried this may be the beginning of an epic downswing, and that is why I started this thread. It is very tough to bluff bad players. They simply don't even think about table image, position, anything. They are so inattentive, they don't even know you haven't played a hand in 45 minutes.
Is there anything I can do to help avoid a big downswing? Should I stay away from the tables for a while? I love poker, and I am motivated. I am slowly building a bankroll. I do not want to go bust because of this.
I should also add I have no desire to play online seriously. It is just not my scene. And I am not much of a MTT player. I thrive on live cash tables. I am pretty decent at reading people, and I can't do this online. I only mention this because someone may suggest playing online low stakes or something. I am not dismissing it entirely, just saying it will take some convincing to get me to play online.
Any help would be appreciated.