When I was learning online cash games, I had a very similar situation: I had some good winning sessions, but overall I was still losing in the long run. Over time, I realized that the main thing is not to look for a “secret formula,” but to build a simple and stable system.
First, I try not to focus only on the result of one session. In cash games, the long run is what matters. You can play perfectly and still lose, or make mistakes and still win. I evaluate the quality of my decisions, not just the money result.
Second, I always ask myself a simple question: “What worse hands can call me here, and what better hands can fold?” This helps me understand whether this is a value bet spot or if I should play more carefully.
For a quick EV estimate, I use a simple idea: if I will be ahead in this situation more often than behind, then the decision is usually profitable. I do not need perfect calculations at the table — it is more important to quickly compare the risk and the possible reward.
Discipline also helps a lot: not playing on tilt, not trying to win everything back immediately, and regularly reviewing my biggest pots after each session. Very often, the most expensive mistakes come not from strategy, but from emotions.
For me, the biggest progress came when I stopped trying to win every single session and started focusing on making the best possible decisions over the long run.
