I am a solid low stakes MTT player. I have been playing for years, however, never really took poker seriously until recent months. About three weeks ago me and one of my friends teamed up and begun a project to turn $20 into $10K . We peaked at 1,300 and have been heading downward since. My problem is this: Although my partner and I have equally contributed to the increase in our roll, lately I have been having unusually poor results. (To the EXTREME. And Lately referring to the past week or so) I am usually very consistent so this has me scratching my head. Should I consider rethinking my technical outlook? (I feel I have a solid understanding of the technical aspect) Should I decrease/increase volume? Should I take a break? I'm trying to get as consistent as possible. I am under the impression this is rooting more from lack of discipline than from lack of technical understanding. If at all possible I would like to get past this without taking a break as I am trying to get to $10k as soon as I can. Any advice would help at this point.

Dom

 

Originally Posted by Aarin

Tough question since it's subjective.

If you're not playing your best poker, not 'feeling it' then you won't win. anyone will tell you this, you end up too tentative in some hands, and too aggressive in others.

It may be variance & bad beats, or it may be that poker is an ever changing game (3bets are super common/effective now) and you may be playing 2007 TAG poker if you're just now getting serious

It's my OPINION that goals like yours are -EV in the immediate sense (OMG I'M RUNNING BEHIND), and force the player(s) to try and perform when they are off their game/confidence based on the goal. You'll never win if you feel pressured to make plays to 'keep up.'

This is about BR management and discipline, so answer your own question based on that mindset.

IMO, surf this forum and others to glean some contemporary tactics (so you at least know what some of your villains are doing) and forget the goal for a couple weeks/months. get back to winning poker before you lose your BR off of 'moral obligation to a project.'

Be smart. You sound smart.

Study A LOT, move down, and find a new groove. You can do it, but you can't if you're forcing it.

Best wishes and PM me when you score.

i respect your opinion, but i couldn't disagree more with you here. setting goals for yourself are +ev, or at least they have been for me. i tend to play my best and focus the most when i have a goal i want to reach. also, when you don't attain your goal you assess the situation and bring the necessary changes to your game to attain your goal as opposed to failing out of "moral obligation". whether it be at school (gpa goals), in poker (profit goals), or in the office (portfolio perfomance) goals have always helped me reach certain objectives I deem respectable.