Don't Be a Robot

[samsonite2100]

I hope you all will forgive me if I post something non-strategy-related. Well, it's kind of strategy-related, but in a larger sense. I've been on a huge downturn of SNGs this last couple of days--like 20 out of the money. Yes, yes, I know, Trikflow and Aces have dropped 50 buyins before. 20 buyins isn't huge for everyone, but it is for me. I don't multitable 10 at a time, and have never hit a patch of serious negative variance before.

Anyway, this downturn coincides with a time where I've decided to take poker really seriously, trying to turn it into part of my living. Losing those buyins got me all bunged up and stressed. I was really freaking out for a bit there, but luckily decided to take a break and play a Stars 180. Just for fun, during the 180, I decided to play opposite my normal extreme tourny tagginess and go all Phil Ivey on people. I played whatever hand I felt like. It was really a liberating feeling, and in the process of playing this way, I had a realization.

Simply put, over the course of becoming a profitable SNG player, I also have become robotic in my play. Most of the time, I'm on autopilot. Now, granted, SNGs are the most, well, robotic of all the types of NLHE competition. But still, they allow for a wide range of creativity and thought. By playing absolutely against my usual style, I realized how boring my typical play has become, and I also realized how often I'm probably leaving chips on the table by playing thoughtlessly instead of trying to figure out how to make the most of every situation I'm in.

I'm not advocating some kind of crazy SNG style--obviously tight early/loose late is time-tested and the proper general way to go about it. Still, winning poker is all about adaptation to specific situations, and a willingness to think outside the lines. Every time you sit down in a tournament without having a fresh mental attitude, without giving every hand your utmost creative attention, you're giving your thinking opponents an invisible edge.

Anyway, just a thought I had.

[Warpe]

Great post.

Every time you sit down in a tournament without having a fresh mental attitude, without giving every hand your utmost creative attention, you're giving your thinking opponents an invisible edge.

I couldn't agree more. I've never been through a really long downswing stretch but I think that's because I single table most of the time and can give the game more attention. Regardless, the downswings I do have are for exactly the reasons you describe - going on autopilot. When I give myself a slap upside the head and start really playing again is when I start winning again.

You've probably read this thread but it's one of my fav's. I think it relates:

http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...841&highlight=

[GatorJH]

Anyway, this downturn coincides with a time where I've decided to take poker really seriously, trying to turn it into part of my living. Losing those buyins got me all bunged up and stressed.

I would be willing to bet that you were all bunged up (whatever the heck that is) and stressed out BEFORE you hit this streak and that the streak is much a result of that as anything. I have played a lot of tournament volleyball and tennis and can attest to the proof that you mentally tense up when you have more on the line, as in the difference between practice and a match.

You just went from practice to your first ever match so you should expect that you would be nervous and therefore not play your best. You may think you are playing well, but if you review the hands I bet you will find many areas where you ask yourself "why the %^&* did I do that?".

Keep plugging away and I am sure you will turn it around!!!!

Good Luck my luggage friend!!!

[samsonite2100]

Great post.

Thanks, Warpe. I actually hadn't read that other thread. Lots of food for thought there.

You just went from practice to your first ever match so you should expect that you would be nervous and therefore not play your best. You may think you are playing well, but if you review the hands I bet you will find many areas where you ask yourself "why the %^&* did I do that?".

Good analogy. And, yes--reviewing my HHs, I've found I'm pushing smaller edges than I normally do.