What’s Your Real "Time to Quit" Signal?

monkeytilter

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Poker regulars talk a lot about discipline and “good quitting”.

When you’re in the casino though (online or bricks and mortar), what’s your actual walk-away signal?

Is it a hard number (down X buy-ins),
noticing a mental shift (autopilot / chasing),
or something subtle like realising you’re no longer thinking in EV terms?

And be honest — when that signal hits, do you usually obey it… or justify one more orbit, shoe or spin?
 
puzzlefish

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Is this the part where we disclose our gambling issues. Just earlier this week, GG poker sent me this and it's actually well written.

How to identify an issue.
Know how to spot the signs. The following may indicate a problem:
  • Spending more money and time on gambling than you can afford
  • Finding it hard to manage or stop your gambling
  • Having arguments with family or friends about money and gambling
  • Losing interest in usual activities or hobbies like going out with friends or spending time with family
  • Always thinking or talking about gambling
  • Lying about your gambling or hiding it from other people
  • Chasing losses or gambling to get out of financial trouble
  • Gambling until all of your money is gone
  • Borrowing money, selling possessions or not paying bills in order to pay for gambling
  • Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or for a longer time to get the same feeling of excitement or buzz
  • Neglecting work, school, family, personal needs or household responsibilities because of gambling
  • Feeling anxious, worried, guilty, depressed or irritable.

If I notice one or more of the above starting to happen, I know it's time to withdraw my bankroll.
 
monkeytilter

monkeytilter

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puzzlefish said:
Is this the part where we disclose our gambling issues. Just earlier this week, GG poker sent me this and it's actually well written.

How to identify an issue.
Know how to spot the signs. The following may indicate a problem:
  • Spending more money and time on gambling than you can afford
  • Finding it hard to manage or stop your gambling
  • Having arguments with family or friends about money and gambling
  • Losing interest in usual activities or hobbies like going out with friends or spending time with family
  • Always thinking or talking about gambling
  • Lying about your gambling or hiding it from other people
  • Chasing losses or gambling to get out of financial trouble
  • Gambling until all of your money is gone
  • Borrowing money, selling possessions or not paying bills in order to pay for gambling
  • Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or for a longer time to get the same feeling of excitement or buzz
  • Neglecting work, school, family, personal needs or household responsibilities because of gambling
  • Feeling anxious, worried, guilty, depressed or irritable.

If I notice one or more of the above starting to happen, I know it's time to withdraw my bankroll.
Click to expand...
I was asking more about signs for quitting a session but quitting gaming all together (or just for a time) is always relevant.
 
jonasz warzecha

jonasz warzecha

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Not sure in real casinos
But online usually after quick bad beats I’m going into spin and go sessions until reach 0.

And tha again freeroll win, play few other tournaments and back to the spins

P.S.
Lately I spins a lot
 
monkeytilter

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jonasz warzecha said:
Not sure in real casinos
But online usually after quick bad beats I’m going into spin and go sessions until reach 0.

And tha again freeroll win, play few other tournaments and back to the spins

P.S.
Lately I spins a lot
Click to expand...
Well let's hope you run better today! :D
 
fuzzycatdaddy

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When I'm on "boredom" tilt and making calls I shouldn't just because I want to see some action. If I'm not having fun anymore, that's the clear sign that it's time to do something else.
 
Youvraj365

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monkeytilter said:
Poker regulars talk a lot about discipline and “good quitting”.

When you’re in the casino though (online or bricks and mortar), what’s your actual walk-away signal?

Is it a hard number (down X buy-ins),
noticing a mental shift (autopilot / chasing),
or something subtle like realising you’re no longer thinking in EV terms?

And be honest — when that signal hits, do you usually obey it… or justify one more orbit, shoe or spin?
Click to expand...
sometimes i get signal like losing streak if am on a big profit margin and starts losing three hands in a row then it's time for me to quit.
 
DPoker33

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I once had the experience of gambling online, and I confess that it was difficult to recognize the sign to stop! I think you need to have someone you can really trust to turn to when you feel you are going too far. If you're playing alone, it's very likely that you'll always want to win more if you're winning and recover your losses if you're losing, in an endless cycle... I shared my experiences with my husband, and he was always a kind of advisor who helped me analyze all the pros and cons and stop at the right time. Good luck to you!
 
Sunz of Beaches

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I always set myself a stop loss limit for every game I play online or live. Wenn das Sohnes this limit is reached i'm going to stop play and do something else with my time.
 
pirateglenn

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Self discipline is something i learnt over many years - whilst budget and bankroll are crucial, i found that my love of poker was superseded by quality of life events, however this xmas has been lovely, i have played a ton of poker and its been super enjoyable.
I handled it perfectly - set myself a schedule of work to do each day and if i hit that target, i played poker in the evenings, if i fell short, i took a break (it never happened as i was on top of stuff).

What this xmas has taught me is that i miss poker and playing so 2026 is going to be an interesting year!
 
dzsire

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I don't think 'just one more spin and you'll get it' falls into this category.
Anyway, it's really hard to get out, whether you're winning or losing.
 
billibooo

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A good time to quit gambling is when:
  1. “Just one more buy-in” becomes a lifestyle.
  2. Mr. Noodles is now your financial advisor.
  3. You’ve pooped your pants (emotionally or physically, dealer’s choice).
  4. You just spent all your money.
  5. You’re eating Mr. Noodles for the rest of the year 🍜
  6. You’re checking couch cushions for buy-ins.
  7. You ask, “Is tap water filling?”
  8. Your bank app opens and immediately judges you.
  9. Your fun money becomes “oh no” money.
  10. Your budget becomes a prayer.
  11. You’re doing mental math in the grocery aisle whispering “do I really need cheese?”
  12. Your bankroll now has trust issues.
  13. Your wallet feels personally victimized by your decisions.
  14. Mr. Noodles knows you by name and your bank account flinches when you log in.
  15. You’re budgeting in vibes and hope.
  16. And you’re considering selling feet pics.
 
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