i quit...for now.

[Bill C]

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down hundreds in days. haven't caught a decent f'in hand in days, haven't had so much as high pair

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You know I have been down several hundred dollars for a while and I seriously considered quitting. However, these past few months I have learned so much that I am now really optimistic about my game in spite of my aweful results. I may not even be a break even player yet, but I can see that with enough study and practice I can become a winning player. If you are serious about playing poker, I highly recommend finding a poker coach to accelerate the learning process as much as possible. Maybe take a break from playing and just read hands here online and read books. Learning should be priority #1.

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I think this is really good advice. If you like poker, you have to look beyond what's happening now and realize that if you continue to read, learn and apply it, "there'll be other days" down the line, when you'll know more and play better. It's a process. Everybody, even the best guys who play for huge money, are constantly learning new things about poker and their own game.

It can be depressing, especially when just starting out, to go through periods of time where you are "card dead," and it is tempting to think it's only you to whom that happens. But the game is random, and it happens to us all. A thing to do when it happens is to use that time well, watching other players and noting what they are doing. Pick the guy you think is the best on that table and watch everything he does, noting what he plays, raises, calls with, etc, and make some notes. It is a good habit, and will help you develop the ability to read hands and players.

I have seen other posts of yours, and you seem like a bright guy. If you hang in there, you should be OK. And don't be silly about not dropping down to a level where you can manage without strain. If you aren't winning, you want to play at the lowest level and gradually work your way up. You have to respect your own play and your own money. Regard it as "tuition" for now, because the making money is going to come later whn you are more experienced and better.
For now, hang in and work on your game. Read and re-read SSHE, TOP and HEFAP. I can't begin to guess how many times I have read and referred to each of those books!

Just my $.02 worth...

bc [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]