blonde poker forum

I need some help!

I know we've all been in the situation were you go on a losing streak, but can take comfort in the fact that you've been playing well, and luck has not been on your side.  I've had a slightly different problem over the last couple of days - I've lost a lot of money because I have played appalingly.  The worst thing is, I know that I am playing badly when I do it and I kick myself every time I make a bad play, yet go right back and do it again.

Has anyone got any tips on how to keep myself in check?  I read somewhere that commentating on the game to yourself can be a good tool - might give this a go - anyone else tried it?

Take a break, generally you'll come back and play better.

I find i play bad , when i have been playing to much. So i take a few days break from it, maybe thats what you need to try, and see how it goes.

Commentating on the game helps as you have heard, it's more just thinking out loud though really. What can he have? Why would he do that? Do i need to take this gamble on? etc etc It works for me as if you talk it through out loud you make a proper decision rather than an 'oh sod it' type decision.

Trust what you think is another strong point, don't call because your annoyed you didn't call someone with 2nd pair earlier when they showed you a bluff.

good advice - thanks.  I think I have been playing too much - been off sick from work so playing more than usual and being ill probably doesn't help!

I'll take a couple of days off, then try the commentary trick!

just try not to play in a llibrary...they just dont like it when people stand up and shout "why did you call that" at the top of your voice  :D

I read Junior's advice everyday, I think it just reminds you of what it's all about,


  1.Patience is word of the day every day  you Muppet!

2.Do not get involved early on when the blinds are low unless you have a very good genuine starting hand you idiot.

3.No limping from early or middle position with shit connectors unless it is very cheap, you have good pot odds and the table hasn’t had much raising action  limping corrodes your stack genius!

4.If you have ignored point 3 because you are an idiot and you have limped with suited connectors, do not get married to your top pair! Only continue to the turn and river if you have hit two pair or have a pair with a 4-flush draw or you are up and down for the top straight.  Make sure you properly assess the odds, implied odds and value moron.

5.Do not make stupid bluffs when you are chipped up with four to go (five to go in a 2-table).

6.Do not make loose in-disciplined calls when you are chipped up with four to go (five to go in a 2-table) just because you can afford it.

7.Just because you are in the blinds it doesn’t mean you HAVE to get involved!  assess the hand for what it is.  The cards don’t miraculously double in value just because you have money invested and you are in the blinds. - (Note to idiot self; playing after the flop whilst in the blinds means you are out of position!!)

8.Do not get involved when you are chipped up with four to go (five to go in a 2-table) unless you have the nuts or are calling a smallish all in bet with an extremely good hand in order to knock out a player.

9.Play only one sit and go at a time!

10.Give it your full concentration in the latter stages (6 or less left and blinds increasing)  do not f***ing e-bay, Hotmail or surf whilst playing!

11.Bluffing should not be done for entertainment or because you are trying to buy your way out of an earlier mistake.  Bluffing is a science that will only work when there are few people to play against.  You will know when the time is right, if the feeling is wrong and you know you’re probably going to get called then just f***ing resist temptation and be patient!

12.When you get to the prizes don’t just go for coin flips and gambles, still keep it tight and trap.  You want to win not just come third



NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!

I have spoken with many online players on this subject. From what I gather, playing badly tends to develop from trying too many moves (at the wrong time obviously). Apparently, the TV is to blame here by the vievers/players focusing on moves and big bluffs. What does go unnoticed sometimes is the solid performances by players. I recently watched the WPT that Mel Judah won last years, he is hardly featured in show and yet he walked away with first place. Point is, you don't need to try and play like a superstar to win at poker. So why don't you just try being very selective with your starting hands and position. Cut the moves out until your confidence is back, you may not turn it around as quickly as you would like - but it will save you from having to kick yourself. Good luck 

Good advice , take a little break then get back to basics , dont try any tricky stuff and record a few winning sessions as these will really help your confidence.

good luck
jezza

As regards the talking out loud scenario:

I've recently been teaching my Girlfriend how to play No-Limit MTT's (Dont Laugh) :D and everyhand i get she asks LOADS of questions, And the last 4 tourneys we have played "together" and me commenting on the hands/situations i have finalled in 3 of them.

And now i find myself instinctevly analysing situations, where as before i wouldnt bother.

The above two are just not my bag baby.

The rest of the advice is well sound.

If possible i like to have a second opnion from an observer with a different style from me..watching and commenting,maybe filling in the blanks

sometimes 2 brains are better than 1...

Of course you can ignore his/her advice and and carry on but sometimes at the right moment the right thoughts can save your game or even make u a few bob..

or even just a few words of encouragement or a bollocking can help!!

this isnt collusion is it?i hope not

I'd agree with what Ruth said and take a break. Can't really offer much more advice than that, although my bad plays recently have been me calling huge bets on a high flush or open straight draw, it's tempting but it's good to remember that you don't actually have a hand yet so if you don't hit your card(s) then you're losing a lot of chips.