In a major poker slump and lacking motivation to play

**JAKEPEAVY21** · 10-13-18, 10:47 AM

hi phin, you are handling yourself in a mature manner. Not really sure what you can do about jerks at the table. It's not always the case but you will definitely run into them now and then. Maybe bring some headphones with you in case the table you are at is annoying you in some way? Regarding your mindset when you are playing, it is a very important aspect. Try not to play when you are tired or are in a negative state of mind. Maybe take a bit of time to clear your head and go back when you feel fresh and ready to grind and kick some ass. There is no point playing if you are not enjoying yourself.

**phinfan27615** · 10-13-18, 10:59 AM

Originally posted by JAKEPEAVY21

hi phin, you are handling yourself in a mature manner. Not really sure what you can do about jerks at the table. It's not always the case but you will definitely run into them now and then. Maybe bring some headphones with you in case the table you are at is annoying you in some way? Regarding your mindset when you are playing, it is a very important aspect. Try not to play when you are tired or are in a negative state of mind. Maybe take a bit of time to clear your head and go back when you feel fresh and ready to grind and kick some ass. There is no point playing if you are not enjoying yourself.

Thanks peavy, I think I'm going to give it a week or so and see how I'm feeling. In the meantime have time for the sbr weekend tournies now

**slikec** · 10-13-18, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by phinfan27615;28108659}

Last night I was getting short stacked blinds were big and so I 3 bet shoved my favorite hand K8 and got called by an aj and lost. I'm always gracious in defeat and never get mad and one of the "pros" who wasn't in the hand tells me I suck at the game and to take my shit and get the penetrate out. I smiled and said "i'm disappointed you feel that way, I just come here to drink and play and have fun and I've always tried to be nice to you. Good game."

That "pro" is an idiot. Seriously retarded idiot. I am sorry he did that.

About you losing fun. Just take some time off if you like the game youll miss it soon enough and with fresh head.

**phinfan27615** · 10-13-18, 11:43 AM

Originally posted by slikec

That "pro" is an idiot. Seriously retarded idiot. I am sorry he did that.

About you losing fun. Just take some time off if you like the game youll miss it soon enough and with fresh head.

Thanks man. I think that's what I'm gonna do

**Optional** · 10-13-18, 06:03 PM

I like to win but honestly would not play poker at all if it wasn't enjoyable.

I wouldn't play with the consistent jerks at the bar even if it wasn't me they were dissing all the time.

Also, take zero notice of how you play at SBR. It does not translate to live games. Not for me anyway.

Have you ever read a poker book? I read Harrington on Holdem and suddenly realized there was so many dead basic things I didn't understand. Improved my game by 100% plus immediately.

**Itsamazing777** · 10-13-18, 06:47 PM

3 bet often

**cincinnatikid513** · 10-13-18, 07:06 PM

i wouldn't play in the bar league, i used to play in a home game and i never felt comfortable i almost felt bad winning money off people i knew, i like to play at the poker rooms where they have real dealers, people act decent because if they dont' they will get kicked out, i would find another place to play, also u can tighten up ur game or mix it up don't always play the same way , also nothing wrong with taking a break from poker and find other things to do then when u feel ready will be exciting again

**Sam Losco** · 10-13-18, 07:46 PM

didnt read the post but il say this based on thread title, if you are lacking motivation why force yourself to play, especially if its at sbr for next to nothing? take a break

**pokerpro44** · 10-13-18, 08:52 PM

my advice get drunk get laid and always try to get allin with the worst hand preflop.its been going great for me the last couple weeks except the getting laid part.

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 10-14-18, 03:43 AM

Phin, I have a few ideas for u. Accept or reject, as u please:

1) When gambling, play of sound mind. Alcohol + gambling don't mix, b/c the liquor will cloud your judgment. If in doubt, pass or take time off. Short sabbaticals are very healthy. Will help clear your mind + determine your next move.

2) Anybody that's been around the clock knows that you ignore MOST of what you hear at the poker table (or in the sportsbook). Everybody seems to have the story. You can make believe you're listening (for kicks), but don't take them seriously.

3) Never risk more than you can afford to lose. This one is obvious. Don't play over your head, don't over-bet your bankroll.

You're a bright guy, I'm sure you can figure this stuff out. Last note is that variance is bigger than people think. Come to accept that the swings can be big.

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 10-14-18, 03:47 AM

Another idea for you. If you take a temporary break from poker...think about heading to The Lab. By that, I'm saying that you can re-assess your game.

Could be very specific. If you have any records, try to review hand histories. Think in terms of ranges. Think about what hands your opponent COULD have. And think about what hands YOU could be representing.

And if you want something more general, read more poker articles. I know there are a lot of bad ones. But there are some good ones, too, if you look hard enuf.

**MalikHusam** · 10-14-18, 04:39 AM

Originally posted by ChuckyTheGoat

Phin, I have a few ideas for u. Accept or reject, as u please:

1) When gambling, play of sound mind. Alcohol + gambling don't mix, b/c the liquor will cloud your judgment. If in doubt, pass or take time off. Short sabbaticals are very healthy. Will help clear your mind + determine your next move.

Drink but play aggressive. Or don't drink but play like you do. Mix it up.

**sammygran** · 10-14-18, 10:32 AM

Poker slump

As you can see you have a lot of friends here.....listen to them...Don't let the idiots get you down. You should play to just enjoy YOURSELF....GL.

**daneblazer** · 10-14-18, 11:26 AM

1. What kind of games do you play? Sng/tourney or cash

2. Have you read a book? Trying to determine your level

3. Do you have the time/are you willing to get better or study?

i played in a bar league over 10’years ago. Most of the players were arrogant idiots

**thechaoz** · 10-14-18, 11:49 AM

First off, I've been playing since 2004 during the golden years and I put myself through college playing Stars, party, planet, carbon, all the crazy sites that existed (doyles room)! It was a golden mine of donks, bonuses, rakeback, etc so it wasn't that difficult.

Any good player NEVER demeans a donk or fish, and knows in the long run they will win. When a fish gets lucky, encourage the play knowing it's bad, don't discourage them from it and "playing better".

They are idiots. Plain and simple. I prefer to smile and nod. Not giving them any feedback or retaliation will make them even more mad, and cause them to make bad plays against you and in the end, make you some cash potentially

**JoeCool20** · 10-14-18, 02:13 PM

Originally posted by sammygran

As you can see you have a lot of friends here.....listen to them...Don't let the idiots get you down. You should play to just enjoy YOURSELF....GL.

Phin, #1 If it is a "bar game" for free, then what kind of idiots would trash (or praise) your play if it is just for fun!!

And #2 You got lucky I guess, because this site is the EXACT same way! It's all free & for fun but all people do 80% of the time is call people names and post rude stupid crap. Go look at most of the threads, it's just 80% a bunch of crass jerks making rude ass comments up under someone's thread. I thought it would be ALL of us PLAYERS being united and AGAINST the S-books that we all are trying to beat! But it isn't that way at all on here. People play "wanna be moderator" and report other posters, and players call other players "cheats" and say they are "taking shots" at the S-book, when they have NO IDEA what really happened in that person's situation!
I just don't get it. The old saying "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." Doesn't apply here most of the time! At least people were sincere to you. How lucky of you!

**phinfan27615** · 10-14-18, 03:47 PM

Thanks for the support and ideas guys I’m going to read a book and quit playing bar league for a week and see how I feel afterwards. I would play cash tournaments instead if the closest casinos weren’t 5 hours from where I live. I play cash games in a guys garage occasionally but it’s been a couple months. When I play there I usually stay sober and play tight. Have drank there before but didn’t go so well (shocker) haha

**cincinnatikid513** · 10-14-18, 03:53 PM

drinking and poker never mix well, u need to stay sharp and stay focused, i don't know how u play in the bar league but what i have seen at the sbr tables u can be fast and loose sometimes

u might do some searching see if there are any other poker games in the area maybe another bar who is more friendlier people

**Optional** · 10-14-18, 04:08 PM

Sounds like you don't have a lot of options.

Maybe start your own home game and invite the players you like.

**Optional** · 10-14-18, 04:09 PM

And encourage everyone at your game to drink. So its equal, and fun

Never trust a non-drinker!

**daneblazer** · 10-14-18, 04:16 PM

Not many of us are going to be career poker players. Most do it for hobby or make a little on the side. If you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it

**Itsamazing777** · 10-14-18, 04:28 PM

Play mildly stoned. Gives me tremendous discipline, and raise without fear in the right spots of course
Also you will give less reads due to your relaxed state

**Grivas_Digeni** · 10-14-18, 05:00 PM

Originally posted by phinfan27615

Thanks for the support and ideas guys I’m going to read a book and quit playing bar league for a week and see how I feel afterwards. I would play cash tournaments instead if the closest casinos weren’t 5 hours from where I live. I play cash games in a guys garage occasionally but it’s been a couple months. When I play there I usually stay sober and play tight. Have drank there before but didn’t go so well (shocker) haha

If you know people who use the stimulating white powder, try that while playing poker. Your game changes dramatically and every read is spot on. Just be sure not to have any serious commitments that day, or the next day. Takes a while to get out of your system. But motivation won't be an issue for quite a few hours lol

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 10-14-18, 05:39 PM

Originally posted by Grivas_Digeni

If you know people who use the stimulating white powder, try that while playing poker. Your game changes dramatically and every read is spot on. Just be sure not to have any serious commitments that day, or the next day. Takes a while to get out of your system. But motivation won't be an issue for quite a few hours lol

LOL. What a post.

**Chili_Powder** · 10-15-18, 11:15 AM

Originally posted by Optional

I like to win but honestly would not play poker at all if it wasn't enjoyable.

I wouldn't play with the consistent jerks at the bar even if it wasn't me they were dissing all the time.

Also, take zero notice of how you play at SBR. It does not translate to live games. Not for me anyway.

Have you ever read a poker book? I read Harrington on Holdem and suddenly realized there was so many dead basic things I didn't understand. Improved my game by 100% plus immediately.

Great advice Opti. Harrington’s books reinforce basic fundamentals in a very reader friendly manner. While the game certainly has an ebb and flow of changes that come and go, his advice is pretty much timeless imo. BOL.

**Chili_Powder** · 10-15-18, 11:22 AM

Originally posted by Itsamazing777

Play mildly stoned. Gives me tremendous discipline, and raise without fear in the right spots of course
Also you will give less reads due to your relaxed state

Have never done that, but intriguing idea. I think there would be quite a bit of variance from person to person based on personality and playing style. For me, I think it would be a good thing.

**cincinnatikid513** · 10-15-18, 01:35 PM

i don't know about being stoned and playing poker, but one day somebody gave me a ritalin pill, wow it was amazing i felt so focused and sharp wish i had some more of those to stay focused

**JAKEPEAVY21** · 10-15-18, 02:16 PM

Originally posted by cincinnatikid513

i don't know about being stoned and playing poker, but one day somebody gave me a ritalin pill, wow it was amazing i felt so focused and sharp wish i had some more of those to stay focused

I'm usually high when I play, surely there's nothing wrong with a nice mellow buzz?

regarding the ritalin, you are spot on. I've taken pills for ADD before and played and the feeling was the same as you described...laser like focus and never played better, also got great reads on people and profiled them to a tee.

**phinfan27615** · 10-15-18, 05:46 PM

Originally posted by Optional

I like to win but honestly would not play poker at all if it wasn't enjoyable.

I wouldn't play with the consistent jerks at the bar even if it wasn't me they were dissing all the time.

Also, take zero notice of how you play at SBR. It does not translate to live games. Not for me anyway.

Have you ever read a poker book? I read Harrington on Holdem and suddenly realized there was so many dead basic things I didn't understand. Improved my game by 100% plus immediately.

I'm going to start reading it this week just his first basic one right? I see he's got others some for more specific game types

**cincinnatikid513** · 10-15-18, 06:54 PM

Originally posted by phinfan27615

I'm going to start reading it this week just his first basic one right? I see he's got others some for more specific game types

reading is always great idea, also playing lots of hands which u can do at sbr, keep at it and thanks for the points appreciate it

**phinfan27615** · 10-15-18, 07:56 PM

Originally posted by cincinnatikid513

reading is always great idea, also playing lots of hands which u can do at sbr, keep at it and thanks for the points appreciate it

For sure bro thanks

**phinfan27615** · 11-30-18, 02:10 PM

Going back for the first time in a month and a half tonight

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 11-30-18, 07:22 PM

Originally posted by phinfan27615

Going back for the first time in a month and a half tonight

Good Luck, phin. YOLO, You Only Live Once.

"Like Buckner...walkin' back into Shea."

**cincinnatikid513** · 12-01-18, 09:53 AM

how did u do win big