Why am I always losing at poker?

[Shargaas]

There could be several reasons. Let's list them off:

1. The books I have read are total garbage and have taught me a losing strategy.

Possible but unlikely. The books I have read are highly recommended on this forum. A lot of players have read them and improved their play, ergo I am forced to assume that is not the cause

2. Internet poker is rigged

Almost impossible. Why would I be targeted for constant bad beats when the highest limit I play is .25/.50?? Bad beats happen live too, that's why bad players play, they have a chance to win no matter how bad they play

3. Incredible unending bad luck

Some bad luck yes....but no amount of random bad luck can explain this losing streak.

So we come down to it. Occam's razor. The simplest explanation is usually the correct one, and I have finally pinpointed it

4. I am a bad player that cannot overcome my lack of skill and will always be a losing player

This is the only explanation that fits. So what to do about it? I have been playing for 4 years, and over the first 3, I won some money. Over the last year, I have lost nearly 3/4 of my winnings (not all at once, slowly but surely). I am forced to recognize that I can no longer win and as such must quit. I have cashed out almost all money, leaving a bankroll for .02/.04 if and when I feel like losing again. I have guaranteed that I have made at least a small amount of money for all the time I have put in.

The decision has been made, and while it is painful to admit that I suck, well I suck and it's time to get out. Poker was fun at one time...but that time is long past.

Good luck and play well all, use the skills you have that I do not.

Shargaas