Is being a break-even poker player more frustrating than losing?

Biggle10 · #1 02-20-2007, 03:20 AM

I've been a break-even poker player for a long time. (I lack discipline, game selection, talent, yadda yadda). I do manage to eek out small sums of money (bonuses/occasional fish), however there are times that I wish I would just go busto rather than being 'stuck' at my same level. Similar experiences anyone?

Poker Plan · #2 02-20-2007, 03:25 AM

But at least being break-even shows a "possible potential" for being a winning player. It means you understand the concepts- it's just the implimentation that needs work on.

Black winter day · #3 02-20-2007, 03:25 AM

No, but i can understand what are you talking about.
If you'd go busto few times you'd just quit and pursue other interests.
Now you are stuck playing the game you do not particularly enjoy (cause you are not a winning player), game that irritates you, so that's understandable.

Poker Plan · #4 02-20-2007, 03:29 AM

[ QUOTE ]
No, but i can understand what are you talking about.
If you'd go busto few times you'd just quit and pursue other interests.
Now you are stuck playing the game you do not particularly enjoy (cause you are not a winning player), game that irritates you, so that's understandable.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good point. It all depends on whether you "enjoy" playing break-even poker? Some people may just like playing for a hobby and like that fact that it isn't costing them anything to play.

Poker_Ace · #5 02-20-2007, 04:13 AM

I actually like it, especially since the Neteller fiasco: I do not have to worry about deposits or withdrawals. My PS balance fluctuates around 1k, +/- 500, so I have been okay.

Yes, I would prefer to win, but breaking even is a lot better than losing.

Reef · #6 02-20-2007, 04:14 AM

winning >>>>>>>>>>>>&g t;>>>>> breaking even >> losing

jfk · #7 02-20-2007, 05:01 AM

[ QUOTE ]
(I lack discipline, game selection, talent, yadda yadda). I do manage to eek out small sums of money ...wish I would just go busto rather than being 'stuck' at my same level.

[/ QUOTE ]

90% of the people who play lose money. You've lacked discipline, game selection, talent and yadda, yet you somehow manage to stay in the 10% who doesn't.

You should be thankful to be "stuck" at this level. Most players with your traits lose.

How or why do you expect to improve when you know you have significant flaws?

bernie · #8 02-20-2007, 06:54 AM

[ QUOTE ]
however there are times that I wish I would just go busto rather than being 'stuck' at my same level.

[/ QUOTE ]

You could just quit.

There. Instant busto.

b

WhoIam · #9 02-20-2007, 07:13 AM

I haven't had a similar experience, but I understand where you're coming from. When I have break-even stretches, it can sometimes be more annoying than a downswing. With a downswing, I can tell me myself it's a necessary part of poker and is inevitable, etc, but when going through periods of breaking even, I can't help but feel like I wasted all those hours of play.

Jeffmet3 · #10 02-20-2007, 12:32 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I haven't had a similar experience, but I understand where you're coming from. When I have break-even stretches, it can sometimes be more annoying than a downswing. With a downswing, I can tell me myself it's a necessary part of poker and is inevitable, etc, but when going through periods of breaking even, I can't help but feel like I wasted all those hours of play.

[/ QUOTE ]

ditto.