What's the matter with me?

[Raedwald]

Desperate plea from former winning poker player.

In the past 18 months I have collected $20,000 in winnings, bonuses and rakeback in clear profit. I have always had this as a target and achieved it a few weeks ago.

This was mainly achieved with grinding low limit games and instead of building up a bankroll, I have invested or spent the proceeds.

So far so good.

The only trouble is that now I cannot win a game at all. I have tried limit (full ring and shorthanded), no limit, sngs, multis, even 7-card stud in a bid to get back on track but I'm getting crushed even at the micro limits.

I know it's probably something psychological to do with reaching my target, but I thought I would at least to be able to relax and enjoy the games more now - not feel it all slipping away....

I have tried going back to basics, but have so far given almost $1,000 back by trying to get back on board in six-week constant losing stretch (8 sessions out of 10 I show a loss at the moment).

Any advice? I can't seem to win, even at the games I used to build up my bankroll (Crypto mainly).

Raedwald [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[JayKon]

Do you use Poker Tracker? If so, are your stats any different?

It might just be variance.

[Raedwald]

The main difference is that my won $ at showdown has taken a massive dip from 53% to 43% in the last month or so. This could be bad luck or a terrible mis-reading spell.

[Raedwald]

I also decided to delete my entire tracker stats in a fit of pique (fresh start and all that) but the slump continues so now I have the guilt of doing that on top of the losing run.

[JOEL_]

Take a break.

[Raedwald]

Good advice

[_Towelie_]

[ QUOTE ]
Take a break.

[/ QUOTE ]

Seriously, take a break from playing. Use the time you would spend playing to go over hand histories. Once you're confident you got your game back (or never lost it to begin with) try again.

[Tiger_Kid]

take a week off, then start going through the hand histories.
you'll come back with a better attitude. Never be satisfied with what you have; you're the best at most of the tables you're playing at, and you better let them know it.