Two Bankroll related articles

Coming Back From a Catastrophic Loss.

I think we all have been there. Either played above your roll, got caught up in the moment, or just played too much when you shouldn't have. Results are that you and your bankroll have been damaged. You are now playing at limits you would have laughed at weeks ago. Here is some humble advice.

First is to take some time away from any game of value. If you really need to play, play for pennies or freerolls. I know this sounds silly, but don't sink any more money into the pit of despair. Playing for anything of consequence is a huge mistake right now. Get your head back on first.

Second, I would review what killed you. Were you outplayed? Bad beat? Or in most cases did you do it to yourself? Look for your holes in your game. Turn up the self analysis and sit through every painful moment and get to the root of your problems. Write yourself a self evaluation if you would find it helpful, with checklist of what mistakes you found common in yourself during that bad run.

Next, look to your books and friends to plug those leaks. If you are overplaying certain situations, ask other or read about how to better identify them so you can improve your game. Remember that it is time to check your ego at the door and work towards playing a better game. Advice might seem harsh at times but remember that your friends are trying to help you. Ignore good advice at your own peril.

Don't be afraid to return to a lower level. Again, your ego can go fuck itself here. You need to do two things here. Start to recover a bankroll and to rebuild your confidence are your current goals. Playing easier games with softer opponents are the best way at this.

Play to your strengths. If your best game is short handed cash, don't go playing MTTs. If you killing the SNG game, why fuck with cash games if your ROI won't be as good in the long run? Just play were you play your best and where you make your most money.

Sounds simple. Hard part is doing it. Don't forget that even after you get back on your feet that this beautiful game we all play is centered about learning. Don't stop analysing your game just because you are starting to move up. Keep studying, keep working to make your game as strong as you can.

Good Luck All.

(The author will not play online cash games until I finish over 100 SNGs)*promise* (Went on tilt after getting laid off)


Some Thoughts on the "Taking Your Shot" Style of BR Management

Taking a shot. Seems so simple. Moving your roll into a higher risk-reward situation. But have you read the fine print? I think the fine print in this situation is that you are doing several things that are detrimental to your poker career.

First item on the agenda is learning about bankroll management skills. I know it sounds odd to list that first but I believe that it is the biggest failure of many want-to-be-great players. If you can't figure out how to fund your buyins, you will be leading towards a busting your roll. This will become habit, climbing it fast, and busting it twice as fast. Once you become responsible in how your treat your bankroll you can work in small risks you can take when you have a cushion to work with.

Second is you are not gaining the skills at your current level to move up. Basics are important, learning your trade is important, the odds, the psychology are all important. Learn each step as it comes, you will better understand the next level and the players who are there.

Last point is the psychological aspects. Playing your way up, building your confidence in the game as you go. You run into bad beats, you are in a safe place bankroll wise so it doesn't tilt you because it doesn't really hurt your overall net value. You learn to deal with bad beats and tilt better because your degree of risk involved is never going to be that bad. You won't run into that almost manic-depressiveness that runs when you are running higher then your bankroll has room for.

If you are a casual player that is playing for fun, do as you wish but if you have any interest in building your poker game and talents, please take your time and build it right.