Enduring a Bad Run

Inevitably we all run bad from time to time. It is simply the nature of playing poker on a regular basis. No matter how well you play or how sophisticated your game is you will eventually run bad. Sometimes a bad run can go for a few days. Other times a bad run can go for a few weeks. In the worst of times a bad run can run for months at a time with no end in sight.

So, how do you stop a bad run? You don't because we cannot control variance. However, we can control how we endure bad runs of cards when variance is unbalanced and against us for extended periods of time. One of the first things any poker player needs to be capable of doing is to recognize when they are running bad. Believe it or not many players will simply deny the fact that the cards are not falling their way and blame their opponent or the dealers. Sure, there are times when a poor play will succeed but you want your opponent to make these plays against you because that is how you make your profit. Suck outs and draw outs happen but when they happen in larger percentages than normal make a mental note of it and step away from the table(s).

Be smart and acknowledge that you cannot beat luck. You can out play an opponent every day of the week but none of us will ever beat variance / luck. When your luck goes south be smart enough to recognize it. Once you do recognize that things are not going you way you have a couple of options. 1. Step away from the table 2. Drop down in limits

How many times have you sat at a table with a player that seems to be getting out drawn and sucked out on every single hand but continues to play anyway? This happens all the time but the smart ones simply realize it's not their day and they find something else to do. If you can learn to discipline yourself to step away from the game for a while when you are running bad you will find your bankroll healtheir than most in the long run. There is nothing run with letting a bad run pass.