Do you ever purposely avoid difficult spots?

N

Nesehorn156

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Jan 22, 2026
Total posts
122
NO
Poker Chips
130
Casino Coins
0
  • #1
There are situations where I know a spot is close and probably requires a tough decision later in the hand.

Sometimes I avoid those situations entirely instead of putting myself in a marginal spot.

Do you think avoiding difficult spots is smart discipline or just playing too cautiously?
 
Coolcassv9.

Coolcassv9.

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Apr 7, 2026
Total posts
300
MX
Poker Chips
170
Casino Coins
10
  • #2
I believe that these situations will always arise in this game; on the contrary, you should always face them to improve. I prefer to lose aggressively than passively.
 
finaltable1

finaltable1

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Apr 26, 2016
Total posts
2,601
Awards
11
Poker Chips
871
Casino Coins
10
  • #3
It depends on the situation. Discipline play = predictable play.
 
S

Station_Master

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Oct 26, 2022
Total posts
1,830
Awards
1
GB
Poker Chips
992
Casino Coins
0
  • #4
Sometumes you have to take the tough spot if its +EV. For 0ev tough spots best to avoid
 
eetenor

eetenor

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Mar 5, 2019
Total posts
2,914
Awards
2
Poker Chips
719
Casino Coins
20
  • #5
Nesehorn156 said:
There are situations where I know a spot is close and probably requires a tough decision later in the hand.

Sometimes I avoid those situations entirely instead of putting myself in a marginal spot.

Do you think avoiding difficult spots is smart discipline or just playing too cautiously?
It is dependent on a clearer definition of difficult, but yes if you are not ready to play well in a spot avoiding it is a good idea. That does not mean, not betting because you might be raised or not betting river for thin value because it is easier to check.

It does mean not 3 betting OOP with a full range or betting turn with no plan for a check raise or a flat and river lead etc etc

:unsure::geek:
 
Last edited:
TeUnit

TeUnit

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Total posts
6,321
Awards
25
Poker Chips
647
Casino Coins
135
  • #6
Like Prahlad used to say sometimes its better to practice avoidance.

Often its better to not take every edge because some players will "implode". I think the better the players are the more you need to take advantage of every edge.
 
S

skaterick

Legend
Bronze Level
Joined
Jul 2, 2015
Total posts
2,574
Awards
10
US
Poker Chips
250
Casino Coins
5
  • #7
in a cash game take the chance ... in a MTT tend to get out of the way!
 
Top