Bad Beats Convert to Losing Streaks

It’s every poker players demise when they take one bad beat after another. A run of bad beats can send a player into ‘life tilt’ which can ultimately lead to bad poker playing. When a player goes on a long losing streak it’s very easy to blame it on the bad beats. Is the losing streak because of the bad beats, the coolers, and the races we lose? While all three can play a factor in a players session whether it’s a winning one or a losing one; I personally think you have to take a closer look. Are you playing the best poker and making the best decisions you can at all times? This factor can get lost in the losing streaks we have, because most poker players (including myself) will blame ‘the run of bad cards’ instead of looking in the mirror. A string of bad beats can create a player to play bad poker, and make decisions that will ultimately destroy your bankroll. I would like to give my opinions and suggestions when you are going through a rough patch.

First off, every time I see a player take a bad beat at the poker table, it’s inevitable that the losing player will say something along the lines of, ‘this site is a joke’, ‘nice hand donkey man your terrible’, or my favorite ‘I never win with the best hand’. Yes it may not be fun to take the bad beat, but every poker player will receive them. Don’t get to angry. Don’t go play higher limits to try to make all of your losses back. Just accept the fact that you took a bad beat, and move on to the next tournament/hand. It’s easier said than done but this could help save your bankroll. It’s not healthy to let a bad beat linger in your brain while you are playing other tables. By accepting it I feel this will increase your chances of playing your best poker, and it will keep you away from making a bad decision because of anger. Thus running bad will not make you play bad, and maybe your losing streaks won’t last as long.

I also think when players are going through a bad losing streak they should take some time away from the game. Taking some time off from the game could be the best solution to a losing streak. If you need to lock your account so it takes away the option of you playing then do so. Take this time to completely forget about poker. Watch some movies, go to the gym, or do whatever it is that you do to clear your mind. Once this period is up you will be more hungry than ever before, and I guarantee it will motivate you to play your best poker. If you don’t want to take time away from the game then maybe it’s a good idea to study your hand history. Like I said before players want to blame the bad beats for their losing sessions. Study your hands from winning sessions and also study hands from losing sessions. I would be willing to bet that you will notice some bad play during those losing sessions, and you will also notice some hands in which you got lucky in your winning sessions. We all get lucky, we all take bad beats, but it’s about playing your best poker in every situation.

Stay within your bankroll, study hand histories, don’t let bad beats effect your play, take a break from the game when you need to, and always come to the table with a positive attitude. In my opinion all of these factors can play a part in you becoming a long term successful poker player. We all have our own ways of handling poker, but I just wanted to offer my thoughts on approaching losing streaks. Good luck at the tables!

Craig Fleck