HELP! How do I get my game back?

Almost a year ago my husband of 29 yrs. unexpectedly passed away. Before this happened I was a very good tournament player and decent cash player. It took me a few months before I started playing again, but my game has not been the same. In tournaments it seems I just pay money to sit and fold, because my starting hand stinks. When I do get a decent playable hand its always second best. Cash games pretty much the same. I want to go play, but I have gotten the scared I am gonna lose no matter what or how I play my hands. Any advice is greatly appreciated?

Sorry for your loss.

You could try learning a new game. If you play NLHE, you could try Omaha or Stud. It makes you read some strategy books, it makes you play tight (because you are learning) and it keeps you playing (but at the same time you are taking a break from your usual game). I also like Razz, but it is hard to find a game.

Good luck at the tables! :wavey:

Sorry for your loss, I recommend playing micro limits so you will develop your game and acquiring experiences, avoid REBUY tournaments

First I was to jump on the bandwagon, and say sorry for you loss. I'm not gonna say I understand what you are going through, but a loss like that can negatively effect everything you do in life. For that I am sorry to hear you're going through that...

Now, to the actual question at hand. I agree with Robochick. Get away from hold'em. Start playing PLO, Hi/low, Razz, Stud. Those are the games you can still win today. NLH is too saturated with good players. Too much free education on the internet, and pros offering way too much info on the game for free. On the other hand, with Mixed games, they are on the same level as hold'em was about 10-15 years ago (Without the hyped of course), but playing style is the same. If you get good at the other games. You will be a lot better, and profitable in poker as a whole. Cause lets be honest, if you ask someone about poker that doesn't play. They think of 2 games, 5 card draw, and NLH. So if someone is truly interested in poker what will they start to play, and get good at? probably NLH. Then move into PLO without any real experience. Cause they realize how hard NLH really is. if you learn PLO you will pick off a lot of easy money on players that are trying to make their money back on NLH losses.

Sorry for your loss. Life is like poker, it can be unfair at times.


So, to answer to your question, did you play online or live? How long in the past are we talking about? Nowadays as Jbgoode said there is so much info out there so there are decent players everywhere. What worked in the past days of poker like playing tight and wait for a hand is not enough today in the super aggressive era of poker.

I would advise you to participate in the forum and try to learn ways to change from nitty style to lag.

In today's poker era, if you're not spending time studying the always evolving game and theory you're going to get left behind. Poker and more so tournaments are more than just getting good starting hands. You have to accumulate chips in various ways.

Sign up for a training site. Plenty of good ones out there. PM me and I will help you get started.

GLGL