I have seen an inordinate number of articles in the recent poker literature offering advice on when and how one might advance to higher stakes than they are currently playing. While much of what I've read is good advice, there doesn't seem to be too much out there on the subject of moving back down the ladder you once climbed.
We've all experienced rough patches when everything seems to go wrong and you begin to scratch your head while contemplating how you could be losing so much money in a game that you had been regularly beating like a drum. Hey... it happens.
Some players feel that the best way to shake off a rough patch and win back money they've recently lost is to move up in stakes. Honest, I'm not making this up... and I think you know that. These players include the delusional, the less disciplined, the total maniacs and, for the most part, people who have difficulty controlling their egos. If you find yourself in an extended losing streak on occasion (who hasn't?) and having difficulty figuring out just what to do... this column's advice is for you!
There are three critical actions to take when finding yourself in this predicament. First and foremost, you need to determine what has changed. What is different besides the fact that you're now losing instead of winning?
These elements would include: Are you now facing tougher lineups? Have you not been playing your "A" game for some reason? Maybe Lady Luck is just raining on your parade and that dark cloud will pass. Spending some time to honestly assess what variables have changed since your losing streak started is critical to reversing the trend.
Second, you need to address any sins you may be committing from item one and tighten up your play. Scout your games better, pay greater attention and tighten up your play. OK... if the rough patch continues then the third action to take is to drop down to a lower stake game.
Dropping down is the single most difficult action for many players to implement. It is so difficult because players are embarrassed to drop down. They feel like they will be ridiculed as weak, poor players. Don't allow your ego to convince you of that hogwash. On the contrary, I believe having the discipline and confidence to step down for a while shows a certain strength of character that weaker players just cannot summon. Be strong and take the intelligent direction by moving down.
Once you have regained your winning ways that higher stake game will still be there, waiting for a stronger player to return and beat it like a drum. Just imagine how many chips you might save by dropping down while you sort out just how and why that rough patch took hold of you.
Our goal for today is the three part system of acknowledging there is a problem, identifying the potential elements that may be the cause, and dropping down to conserve your bankroll while you make the necessary adjustments to rectify the problem.
See you next "TIME"
Tom "Time" Leonard has played poker in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and California for more than 30 years and written about the game since 1994. Contact Tom at thleonard@msn.com.
