is it time to hang em up?

[sweet wicking action]

how do you know if its time to cash out what's left of your roll, and take up lawn darts or tiddlywinks or alcoholism? when do you tell yourself that it isn't the bad side of variance, and just that you're not a winning player?

[flyingmoose]

One of the cool things about online poker is that you can always find a game you can beat. If you truly enjoy poker, then you can always play $1 tourneys until you're good enough to move up. I'd say you should only hang up your hat if you're finding the game is getting stale for you.

[Holdemphile]

If you aren't having fun, quit. If you can limit yourself to playing for an amount of money you are willing to lose, and you enjoy the game, keep playing and keep trying to improve. Poker can be a cheap hobby if you play at an appropriate level for your bankroll.

Holdemphile

[jonny quest]

[ QUOTE ]
how do you know if its time to cash out what's left of your roll, and take up lawn darts or tiddlywinks or alcoholism? when do you tell yourself that it isn't the bad side of variance, and just that you're not a winning player?

[/ QUOTE ]

First, I know the feeling that generates such questions...if knowing you are not alone provides comfort, take comfort.

If you have concluded you are not a "winning player," do you want to improve your play and develop skills to become one? Or have you simply burned-out?

If you have lost a significant portion of your income (or your sanity) and the quality of your life has diminished accordingly, a break from the game may be important for your well being.

Do you hate losing more than you enjoy winning (from a psychological needs/competitive perspective?) May be a good time to reflect on what you gain and lose by playing poker. Perhaps moderation, limiting play time and financial resources can prolong your pleasure associated with poker as a part of a balanced life.

The one thing that links all of us here, on these forums, is a shared interest in the game of poker. For some it is not a "game," but way to make a living. For others it's a source of analytical stimualtion, an arena to match one's skills, a way to socialize, a forum to practice gambling theories, etc.

Try to remember what first drew you to poker and see if you can rekindle that spark. If you can't, no worries, lawn darts and booze will still be around.

Good luck

[locutus2002]

Play smaller field sizes. If you don't get to sit on a final table once a month, it takes the joy out of the game.

[jfish]

fwiw, its entirely possible to be an alcoholic and a winning poker player. i hope my contribution inspires you.