Small Bankroll, Big Discipline – My Current Poker Focus

[Houbi37]

Lately I’ve been really focusing on improving my discipline with a small bankroll. I used to think the key to moving up was just playing more, but now I realize playing better matters way more than playing longer.
I’ve started paying more attention to table selection, avoiding marginal spots, and not forcing action just because I’m bored. Folding more preflop — especially in early position — has honestly saved me a lot of chips.
Another big change for me is quitting sessions earlier when I feel tired or tilted. I noticed most of my bad decisions don’t come from lack of knowledge, but from lack of focus.
Right now my main goals are:
• Stay patient
• Respect position
• Don’t chase losses
• Play within my bankroll
It’s not the most exciting style, but it feels much more stable and professional.
How do you guys stay disciplined when the cards are running cold?

 

[Kerasuss28]

Very good lucks 🍀 and very good goals for starts 💪💪💪

 

[diegovasques90]

It's hard... but there's usually that feeling of “the next tournament will work out”.

But I usually go out a bit, go to the market to buy something to distract my mind, and generally come back more relaxed, with 100% focus.

The starting positions are very complicated. In the small blind, the worst position; I only play cards for a 3-bet or direct fold.

 

[andron205]

Self-control is more important than anything else

 

[RALF_AK]

Knowing how to exploit your position at the table by properly reading your opponents makes the game more dynamic and less boring. Your strategy for a beginner is excellent, but I would suggest focusing on studying, and with practice and time you will discover that the game is more than just playing with good hands.

 

[22Racks]

For me, taking breaks and setting stop-loss limits really helps when things are running cold. I also remind myself that variance is part of the game and focus on making good decisions, not short-term results

 

[bremp555]

I really relate to this. That realization that playing better matters more than just playing more is a huge step, especially with a small bankroll. A lot of leaks don’t come from strategy gaps, but from boredom, ego, or trying to force things to happen. Tightening up preflop, respecting position, and avoiding marginal spots might feel boring, but it’s usually what keeps you in the game long enough for skill to matter.

When cards are running cold, what helps me most is having clear stop rules and process based goals. If I know my goal for the session is to make good decisions and not to win money, it’s easier to accept short term losses. I also review hands or mark spots instead of trying to recover losses immediately, and that shift alone prevents a lot of tilt driven mistakes.

Honestly, discipline during downswings is what separates players who survive from those who constantly restart their bankroll. It’s not exciting, but it is professional, and over time that consistency compounds. You’re clearly on the right path.

 

[hardongear]

No it's not the most exciting style but a lot of the time winning poker is boring poker. A lot of the time you battle the whole cash session mostly even and make all your profit on 1 big hand and playing it right to get the max out of that one big hand. But stick with your plan and stay focused on them things and long term you'll make more money than you lose. Best of luck.

Cheers!!!

 

[GarotoMaroto]

Good look man!!!
Dont hush just flow
God bless

 

[Kpaprince]

Really solid mindset and goals — this is exactly the kind of discipline that actually moves the needle long term 👍

For me, staying disciplined during cold runs comes down to structure and limits. I set a clear stop-loss or time limit before each session, so when things aren’t going well the decision to quit is already made and not emotional. That alone has saved me a lot of chips.

I also try to shift focus away from results and onto decision quality. If I’m happy with my preflop choices, bet sizing, and folds, I’m fine ending a session down. Reviewing a few hands afterward helps reinforce that mindset.

Cold cards are unavoidable, but protecting the bankroll and mental game is what lets you be there when variance swings back. Your approach looks very sustainable — keep it up. ♠️💪

 

[veryluckyfish7k]

Well gl gl in tournament journey!! i hope there will be screens with big winnings from you!

 

[fundiver199]

I’ve started paying more attention to table selection, avoiding marginal spots, and not forcing action just because I’m bored. Folding more preflop — especially in early position — has honestly saved me a lot of chips. Another big change for me is quitting sessions earlier when I feel tired or tilted.

These are key elements in long term winning poker, so good work on your part to realise it and adapt. The only thing, I want to add, is, that if playing "with a small bankroll" is a choise more than a nesessity, then consider making your bankroll bigger, so you can play the highest stakes, where you feel, you still have a significant skill edge.

I dont know, if this apply to you, but some talented poker players are holding themselfes back, because they refuse to (re)deposit, even though they could. The much better way to look at it is, that poker is a business. And if making an investment (depositing) increase your long term profit, then you should make that investment, if you can afford it.