Quitting while You’re behind in Poker
The toughest thing about online poker is quitting a session when you are behind. As you get progressively in for more money, you typically begin to lose control as you chase losses trying to get back to even. Gambling with the worst poker hand in bad spots and continuing in hands when you should fold often happen when you are down money and are trying to get even. It is the hardest thing to do psychologically; to admit to yourself you are playing bad, and that you need to quit takes the utmost control, at a time when you are far from it.
There are many ways to get yourself to a point where you are either back on track, or to get yourself up out of your seat and save your money for another day. The first way is to get up from the table, and go and have a talk with yourself. Go to the bathroom, wash your face and regroup. If you go back to the table and continue to lose, you will have to quit, regardless of how unlucky you may be running, or how much you are behind. Don’t give your opponents as easy time, save your bankroll for better situation.
Quitting is a psychologically difficult thing to do, but it is best to put your pride aside and leave knowing that you will be back when you are playing online poker better. When you are playing better, your opponents will not be able to quit when they are playing poorly, and you will have a considerable advantage. Just reason with yourself and think of all the better ways you can spend the money, if that’s what it takes. Find whatever means you need to talk yourself out of doing something foolish and committing your money when you are in no condition to play and you will see that you are a much happier person, and a much better player, over the long run.
