feeling down...but dont want to be out.

[ollie]

Hi..First post.

Ive been playing online low limit mostly at stars for almost 3 yrs now. I budget $200 per month for my poker.

Though my poker started out as a way to pass time and have fun, I have had a few tourney wins and small successes in cash games.

The problem is id like to start taking it more seriously but..despite cashing 3-4 tourneys a week, at the end of the month, I am nearly always broke again and have to re deposit. Financially its not a problem...whats getting to me is the fact that I just cant seem to maintain a winning streak. For example...i will win $400 in a $10 tourney, then squander it away on cash games...way above my skill level...thing is, when i play .50/$1 games for example, I find myself getting bored, so I go to $2/$4 and get slammed. I skulk back to lower limits get bored and frustrated.

How do I learn to control my boredom at lower levels where players play ANY cards. I've read the books, listened to advice from friends, but nothing is working. I'm at the point where I know if I can find the discipline...I can start to turn a profit...I just need some help in how to hold it all together.

Desperately seeking some helpful advice...Im about to lose my mind. My husband is losing patience with my whining.

Ollie

[Low_Card2]

if you are always loosing, dont move up. Move down. Dont be afraid to move down to .25/.50 or even lower. If you get bored leave and wait till you feel like playing again. I used to play .10/.20 and id get bored and frustrated and take my entire 100$ BR to a .50/1$ NL table and piss it away. also read SSHE by sklansky and malmuth. After i read that i statred winning consistantly.

[OziBattler]

Ollie,

It sure sounds like you love the action rather than the (limit) grind so you might want to consider the following:
- sit and go's (whilst waiting for a tourney to start)
- No-Limit
- 6max

Also sounds like you really need to work on your bankroll management....playing in games above your bankroll, at a limit where you dont value the value of a bet or at a limit where players are better than you is a surefire way to lose.

in the end though, you need to assess your motivations for playing and find a game that suits you. I wish u luck.

[Acein8ter]

If your board when playing lower limits, but can consistently beat them, multi table. It should keep you busy and excited... Build your BR untill you can play 2-4.

[tomtemor]

You seem to be profitable playing tournaments, is that correct? Maybe you should stick to playing MTT's if you don't have the discipline to play cash games at a level that fits your bankroll.

Like AussieBattler said, have you tried NL cash games? that might be the game for you. Don't play too high though.

[ottsville]

There's nothing wrong with playing for entertainment only.

Discipline is one of the keys to being a winning player. If you don't have it, develop it. Stop moving up for a thrill. Find a game that might be more stimulating. 6max or heads-up play for the actions junkie is always good.

[montauk]

Technically, playing at higher levels shouldnt make a difference to the entertainment/thrill level, you mentioned that you dont like lower levels because everyone plays every card... seems like that'd be more fun than playing on a rock table at higher levels.

If you keep looking for a lot of thrills and risk, its not going to be sustainable which is the case. Because if you manage your BR, play within your limits etc... the risk/thrill is somewhat gone, from what info you've provided.

Probably stick to tournaments where u can take risks and get the thrills but dont lose all your money in AIs.

[ollie]

\well thankyou all for replying. Today I didnt touch 1 cash game and im currently sitting in 3rd place at the final table of a $10 tourney. I will heed your wise advice. i think it is the thrill of quick money that has been keeping me at the re-deposit level. Im going to stick to tourneys for a while and build my BR. I have been trying the heads up...won 1 lost 1 both $5, and ur right...it is faster and more exciting. I shall keep you all posted on progress at a later date.

Cheers and cold beers to u all
Ollie

[Shandrax]

[ QUOTE ]
Hi..First post.

Ive been playing online low limit mostly at stars for almost 3 yrs now. I budget $200 per month for my poker.

Though my poker started out as a way to pass time and have fun, I have had a few tourney wins and small successes in cash games.

The problem is id like to start taking it more seriously but..despite cashing 3-4 tourneys a week, at the end of the month, I am nearly always broke again and have to re deposit. Financially its not a problem...whats getting to me is the fact that I just cant seem to maintain a winning streak. For example...i will win $400 in a $10 tourney, then squander it away on cash games...way above my skill level...thing is, when i play .50/$1 games for example, I find myself getting bored, so I go to $2/$4 and get slammed. I skulk back to lower limits get bored and frustrated.

How do I learn to control my boredom at lower levels where players play ANY cards. I've read the books, listened to advice from friends, but nothing is working. I'm at the point where I know if I can find the discipline...I can start to turn a profit...I just need some help in how to hold it all together.

Desperately seeking some helpful advice...Im about to lose my mind. My husband is losing patience with my whining.

Ollie

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually I don't know either. In No Fold'em games you can't protect your hand, you can't raise for the free card, you can't bluff, you can't win with anything less than top pair and last but not least, it is impossible to put your opponents on a hand. Technically your only weapon is to show down the best hand and we all know that's it not easy to make the absolute nuts in Hold'em.

All I can say is that I have the same problem. I win a few sessions and then I lose it all back on one day when I can't manage to win a single hand.

[Reef]

I'd try NL.01/.02, start out playing tighter than normal. The variation should keep away the boredom. In your case, it's not about the $$$, it's about the fun. So if it isn't fun - don't play! gl