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Date: 2006-03-01
Author: John Mehaffey
Most long time professional poker players both brick and mortar and online poker players, hit a downswing. During this time no draws hit, but opponent’s draws can not miss. What makes a true professional player different is that they figure out ways to get through the tough time. There are many different ways for a pro to get through this.
Earlier this year I had my first back to back losing months. I was playing $5/$10-$10/$20. I lost a big chunk of my bankroll. I first stepped down to $3/6, then $2/$4 and finally I started playing $1/$2 6 max at Party Poker. I always had success at that game and this time was no different. I finally started to regain my confidence and aggression and got back on my game.
If the downswing has created bankroll issues then you must immediately drop down in limits. Most will agree a pro will need at least 300 big bets for limit and around 40 full buyins for no limit or pot limit. If you fall below this amount it is time to play a limit that fits your bankroll. Playing limits that you do not have a sufficient bankroll to play can bust you and leave you looking for a job. There is no shame in dropping down in limits, even into the micro limits, if it keeps you playing and your bankroll alive. It is still possible to work off bonuses at lower limits too while you are working on a turnaround to rebuild your bankroll. This type of downward spiral affects most professional players at one point or another in their career.
Some players simply need a way to blow off some steam. I like to go to the smallest of micro limits and play like a maniac. I raise every hand and try to bad beat some players who probably think the micro limits are a big deal. This also works for $.50 single table tournaments. Go all in every hand that has any shot. If I am really on tilt just one bad beat can give me the laugh I need to get back on track.
For some players learning and switching to a non holdem game for a while may help. Also if a player is strictly a cash game player it might be time to try your luck and skill at tournaments. Experienced short handed players can often do well at single table tournaments. For those with less short handed experience a low buyin multi table tournament might be the way to go. Tournaments can be a nice change of pace and can make poker fun again. You might discover that you are more then a tournament player then you thought.
Sometimes during a downswing a long lasting tilt can set in. A player can pick up bad habits. A player on tilt can start to make desperate calls and bluffs knowing they are not high percentage plays. This is part of the downward spiral. Often the worse the downturn, the more desperate you will play. Breaking these habits as soon as they are discovered is a must. If you can not break these habits then dropping down in limits will not help, it is time for a vacation.
Everyone needs a vacation and for pros poker is as much of a job as any other. Part of the problem is that for most professional poker player poker was once their hobby. Now it is their job and becomes a grind just like any other job does. For some it was their only hobby and they lack anything else to do that entertains them. It is important to find another hobby. If you are strictly an online player maybe going to play some poker at a casino might help. Also playing some low house edge video poker and getting some free drinks might be a good way to party away the stress.
Playing non poker card games like hearts, spades or cribbage might be a good idea if you simply enjoy playing cards. For some though it might be time to get away from a computer. For me taking a long drive always helps clear my mind. A road trip always seems to do the trick. Exercise is also a great idea. Take the break time to get back in shape. If you are married or in a serious relationship then this would be a great time to spend time with the significant other. He/she probably thinks you don’t spend enough time together. Here is your chance. Go out for a nice dinner, or a weekend out of town at a nice hotel in a different city.
After taking a break your mind should start to clear. Once you have gotten all of the bad beat stories out and removed all of the stress it is time to come back from vacation and start playing online poker again. Start by playing one limit lower then you were playing when you took a break and work your way back up. Hopefully you will find that the burnout is gone and online poker is once again fun.
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