KNOW YOUR LIMITS
So you think there are already enough decisions you had to make playing
poker, but you've guessed it, there are more. Winning at the table a
few times is great but things become more challenging as you climb up on
the totem pole. There are two meanings to this article title and heed
them well. These are the little things you should patiently come to
notice about yourself, so you don't rush in and foolishly burn your cash
away.
* Choosing Your Limit Levels
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Generally speaking you should choose which limit to play based on your
financial standing, your poker abilities, and your risk tolerance.
No matter how filthy rich you are, it's always best to start out at the
lower limits, not only because of lighter competition, but to get the
hang of the game. So what if you're name is Chris Moneymaker? If you're
playing online no one will know that, so there's no "woo"-factor for
others to stop and think they're playing with some sort of demigod.
Nevertheless when it comes to choosing a limit, the hardest part of
that choice is to know when to move up or down in the type of limit game.
If you think you can handle seven or more sessions at a certain limit
level, you're probably skilled enough to jump up a notch. However, you
do not want to move up so high that when you play it actually scares
you. Fear is one of those high-ranking decision killers which causes a
sort of analysis paralysis, along with building a false sense of courage
if you're shooting for the stars without a plan. You're not likely to
have the bankroll to survive a night at the tables with these traits.
If you do take some hard knocks you ought to move down. On the other
side of the emotional spectrum, you don't want to move down so steep that
you feel like it is child's play or that there's simply no challenge.
For example, if you're playing up at the $25-50 limit you wouldn't want
to fall back to a $1-2 game. Fall a little closer to something like the
$10-20 games. Take "the middle path" to keep a steady feeling of
challenge. That way you don't whipsaw your motivation (or lack thereof) to
play in a random mess.
* Calling It Quits for the Day
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Even the best poker players in the world have their down days. Knowing
when to quit will keep you from a drained bank account, especially when
you feel that greed or that sense of desperation setting in. As a
general rule of thumb, it's best to quit if you have a swing of 40 big bets
in either direction. If you want to break this 40 big-bet rule, proceed
with caution. Know if the game is really good or if you're just pushing
it.
Here are some mental signs to consider when you might be tilting:
1. You always think your opponents are bluffing.
2. You feel anxious for a high-action game.
3. You're struggling to break even for the day.
Here are other signs to look out for if you've just played way too
much:
1. You've played more than eight hours for one game during your day.
(Don't drain yourself by playing long sessions. It's better to play many
short sessions than a few long ones to keep your mind fresh each time.)
2. You're no longer paying attention to your opponents' moves.
3. You're dozing off at the table.
