[El Cuchara]

I would like to point out that, although they are slightly irritating, no one makes you read the threads about downswings and bad beats, if they bother you, don't read them.

When I stumble across a person who is going through a downswing I advise they take a break. I do this because taking a break helped me, i don't mean taking a shower, getting laid, etc. I mean not playing a hand for 3-4 weeks. I also say that while you're on break read. Start with GSIH or SSH, and then when you come back, start out in the micros again. I agree that just taking a break is not going to solve the problem, but I think laying out for a while can help clear your head and let you accurately analyze your play. I think in general most players feel that they make the right moves while they are playing. If they didn't think they were correct, than they probably wouldn't make those moves. I think it requires some time away from the game and reading, "A10 is a bad hand to play out of position or after a raise" to realize that it is a marginal hand unless in an ideal situation. If you're playing, and reading, that probably doesn't sink in.

I would also like to say that there is no need to flame/rant about newbs, or others posts about common questions/ bad beats/ etc. I agree that it can be annoying, but without new people becoming involved in the game of poker, then it is safe to say it would eventually die out. Even though the questions can be irritating, if they bother you, don't read them, don't flame them either. You need the lesser players in order to make $$.

This post brings up some very good points on how to correct downswings, and is def. a good one.