When to stop?

  • Thread starter Thread starter villa1306
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This is such an underrated topic. Knowing when to walk away is honestly just as important as your 3-bet range.

I used to overplay a lot until I changed how I viewed session management. It’s not just about study time you have to realize how every big pot affects your mental state in real-time. I actually started using GTO solvers to help with this, not because the solver tells you when to quit, but as a 'safety net' for my ego.

Whenever I catch myself overplaying or making a questionable move because of the 'adrenaline trap,' I just tag the hand and move on. Knowing I can run it through a solver later takes the emotional weight off the decision and stops me from spiraling. It’s all about perspective, but using a solver this way is a game-changer for staying disciplined.

If you’re looking for one to try, I’ve been using OptimusPoker lately. I love it because it’s super beginner-friendly compared to others, and it makes that post-session review way less of a headache.
 
i do tournaments so when i finish the last one ive regstereed for, cash games, give yourself a limit to lose then stop
 
Stop when you feel tired and unmotivated, take some time, recharge your energy and come back stronger.
 
villa1306 said:
Lately I've been thinking about something that doesn't get talked about as much as technical strategy: the time to close the session.
I'm not just talking about inclination or defeats, but also about victories. Sometimes we keep playing for adrenaline, and what used to be a good session ends in disaster. How and when do they decide when it's time to end the day, in any case, a defeat or a victory?
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It is, it is really important, I think that when we win it is better to withdraw our money and leave the poker room, and to avoid falling into badbeat we have to apply the bankroll rules.
 
villa1306 said:
Lately I've been thinking about something that doesn't get talked about as much as technical strategy: the time to close the session.
I'm not just talking about inclination or defeats, but also about victories. Sometimes we keep playing for adrenaline, and what used to be a good session ends in disaster. How and when do they decide when it's time to end the day, in any case, a defeat or a victory?
Click to expand...
Start as soon as possible! Play recreationally if you have to start slow.
 
Usually I just ask myself: “Am I still playing sharp or just chasing the feeling?”
If it’s the second one, I stop.
 
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MishkaZL said:
La cuestión de la disciplina. Si no tienes la disciplina para parar, no tienes futuro. Si aún no lo has descubierto, pronto lo harás. Una vez que empieces a jugar con disciplina, la cuestión de cuándo parar se resolverá por sí sola.
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You're absolutely right, I always think I'm lacking so much. It's gotten to the point where I don't think before I act. I lack discipline, and I know it, but in the moment I forget everything.
 
I don’t think there’s a perfect stop point, but for me it’s more about noticing when I’m not playing my normal game anymore. If I start chasing losses, calling in spots I know I shouldn’t, or just feeling annoyed every hand, that’s usually my sign to quit.

I’ve also noticed that even if I’m winning, I should sometimes stop anyway if I’m getting tired or losing focus. Playing longer doesn’t always mean playing better.
 
I try to make decisions before I start playing, not during the session.
I set simple limits for myself:
If I lose a certain amount, I stop (I don't try to win back the loss)
If I win a good amount, I also stop and lock in my profits.
 
In my opinion, you should stop when you're tired, because it's difficult to concentrate and win when you're tired.
 
Good morning, how are you? I started playing poker in 2018, so it has been eight years. I have studied a lot, watched many videos about variance, and learned about ranges. In poker, it is essential to understand that if you are making the correct decisions, you should not worry too much about the outcome. It is a game of variance. Even with AA, you can lose to smaller pairs around 18% to 19% of the time. It is also possible to lose three times in a row with AA against hands like 3-3 or 4-4, and this is completely normal. The key is to focus on making the right plays and not be affected by short-term results, because in the long run, correct decisions tend to be profitable.
 
That’s a key skill most players overlook. For me, it’s not about winning or losing, but about decision quality. If I feel my focus dropping or emotions (even confidence) affecting my play, I stop. Big wins can be dangerous because they lead to overconfidence and loose play. Setting limits and protecting your A-game is what really matters long term.
 
best time to end the session is as soon as you realize you are making bad calls, bad decisions and just playing terrible.
it doesnt matter if you are up or not, you need a break, take it!
 
I often tell myself that I should stop when I can no longer control my emotions
 
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