Pokertits.com – Tits and Poker

Every player goes through bad streaks. Since you’re a recreational player sticking to betting limits within your comfort zone, you’ve got time to get back on track. Here are some tips that should help:

* Assess your game — After a certain number of “bad beats,” even strong players sometimes panic and try to force their way into wins. When their pocket aces, kings and, yes, queens get cracked by some knucklehead holding 7-2 offsuit, they start playing questionable hands hoping for a lucky score. Really study your recent play — Did losing a few pots with good hands cause you to risk chips by playing, say, 10-7 in early position or Q-8 against a raise? Did you have other things on your mind –work problems, family issues — that clouded your focus at the table? Did you stay in the game too long?

* Turn the tide — If you’ve posted several losses in a row, you can’t get the money back in a single setting. A better option is to reverse the trend one small step at a time. Try hit-and-run poker. Play extremely tight at first, and if you win a couple of pots that put you ahead, leave the game. This doesn’t work at a home poker party with friends, but you can do it quite easily online. All you’re trying to do is break the streak and build confidence.

* Keep it real — Low-limit hold ‘em is not easy to beat. With lots of players staying in to see each flop, even your pocket aces are in serious jeopardy. You usually can’t drive out enough opponents to feel safe. So, adopt that mindset and try not to go on tilt when your big hand loses. Just as important as winning pots is saving bets. Don’t limp in with any hand that can’t stand a raise. Don’t stay in if the flop misses you. Don’t chase slim draws on the turn and river (unless the pot is huge and catching your miracle card will win for sure). Saving 10-20 such bets can easily turn a losing session into a winning one.