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Message: [QUOTE="ChrisFoxWallace, post: 6294956, member: 474011"] That's a great question. I am definitely more frustrated by down swings than some of my fellow pros, so I understand exactly what you mean. It definitely helps me to have a plan for handling a down swing because there are some things that I know will help. Whether something that works for me will work for you, I have no idea, but what is important is that you think about it and have a plan for how you will handle it ahead of time, because you won't be thinking as well once you have a rough session. I start by moving down to a game I can crush. If I have a couple bad sessions at $5/10, I go to the Golden Nugget and play $1/2 against some locals. I don't go in thinking that I'm going to make the money back, it would take forever to make back a big downswing from $5/10 playing $1/2. I just go in planning to make money and play poker where it's much easier and less stressful. That helps, and getting a winning session under my belt, even if it's just a few hundred, puts me back in a better mindset. I also take breaks frequently. If I have a bad run, I take a week off and go to a national park and take pictures or just chill at home and get a bunch of writing done. Once I'm away from the tables for a few days I find myself wanting to go back and I play better after a little break. I also find that your frustration level can be related to your bankroll. If I lose 1% of my bankroll in a losing session, I'm not bothered at all, but if I lose 10% over a really terrible two week freefall I am very irritated and definitely need a break. So playing within your means can help avoid these swings that are significant enough to really bother you. As for dealing with boredom, you are probably playing too much. Unless you are trying to play for a living, you shouldn't bother playing if you aren't motivated, it won't be very profitable anyway when you are thinking about other things. I also do whatever I can to stay interested and happy. Sometimes that is engaging the people around me in conversation, sometimes it's listening to music or an audio book in earbuds. Don't listen to people who tell you how you have to be at a poker table, they are really just telling you how THEY have to be. I know that I can miss some verbal tells if I'm listening to earbuds, but I will miss many more if I'm bored to death and watching the TV over the dealer's shoulder. Do what works for you. I hope that helps and good luck at the tables. [/QUOTE]

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