When you feel like you are no longer playing your optimal game.
I see responses saying when the cards are going your way, well if that's the answer nobody should ever play poker ever again!
Poker is a game of streaks and variance, you must learn to embrace it and learn to win even during the slow patches. You will get dealt AA once every 221 hands on average, but occasionally, you'll get them twice in a row (it's happened to me twice), that means you can reasonably expect to not see AA for 442 more hands.
If you cannot deal with short term variance and cold decks, you are going to tilt and then you need to step away and take a break, but why would you tilt when these things are part of the game we know and love?
I see responses saying when the cards are going your way, well if that's the answer nobody should ever play poker ever again!
Poker is a game of streaks and variance, you must learn to embrace it and learn to win even during the slow patches. You will get dealt AA once every 221 hands on average, but occasionally, you'll get them twice in a row (it's happened to me twice), that means you can reasonably expect to not see AA for 442 more hands.
If you cannot deal with short term variance and cold decks, you are going to tilt and then you need to step away and take a break, but why would you tilt when these things are part of the game we know and love?
stuiter1331 said:
Anyone who's reading this. Please don't do what previous poster suggests. How are people supposed to make money? Come on man, don't play with people's bread money like that.
Here are my tips:
-Play a lot of hands, the more hands you play the more you learn. Don't take breaks also, just keep a few piss jars before starting a session. This way you won't miss a single hand. What if you'd get AA when you go to break? Think about that!
-You know you can't win unless you play. 😉 It's OK to put money in when you know you're behind (what if you're ahead?) because if you play enough hands you will win in the end. Don't forget quitters never win.
-Paying your bills. Come on man. Just take extra shifts at work to play poker. Do you really think losing a few hundred bucks a month gonna change anything? And remember, you've been very unlucky last 6 years. Luck always turns around if you play enough hands.
-Sleep is overrated, mang. Recent scientific studies clearly show that you're 87.3% more likely to win when you're dealt 78 of hearts if you don't get enough sleep.
Anyway, please stop spreading misinformation previous poster. Back your claims with stats and scientific facts like I do.
tjgold said:
so tjgold you feel so troubled by my answer.
to the question "when should you take a break from poker"
given you fierce response and rebuttals to all my answers
I am curious if the points might also apply to you.
Please be aware that help is available. The moment you are ready to accept it.
both online help groups or rehab clinics that do internal admissions, but also outpatient therapies
good luck playing poker with such attitude
There are books on when to play, how to play and for how long to play. Ultimately, you have to answer this on your; and only you have these answers. I love playing poker. This minute, I am with my wife and children, on a campground and I'm using my phone to make this post. I can play mobile, but that is not the point. The point is that there are many other things that I love. One of those things is spending as much time with my loved ones as I can. I am so relaxed, that when I do start a game I do not have the cobwebs of many questions nagging my concentration and focus. Take your time and get there, or Rush and kurplunk! You have the ultimate choice and decision. I know you will make the right decisions and choices and I also know you are a Champion! GOD bless you.poliaris747 said:
When should you take a break from poker? You should take a break from poker, any time you are asking, should I take a break from poker. Haha. But seriously, yeah, sounds like you need a break. At least a small one. That hand you posted, in the big picture, wasn't even all that bad of a beat. So if that one is getting you worked up, a break may do you some good.