Knowing When to Quit a Session

It has happened to all of us. At one point we were up, and then we got down and wished we had stopped. No matter how big of an overall winner you are, the losing sessions can still be tough to take. When is it time to quit?

Before playing any session I think a player should set a winning goal and a loss limit. Decide how many big blinds that you think you can feasible win in a session and if you hit that goal get up immediately. Do not have the regret of "I should have quit an hour ago when I was up $xxx. You should also set a comfortable loss limit. That loss limit should be something that will not bother you if you lose. It should be equal to what you feel the entertainment should be worth. This way if you lose, you will not feel the need to second guess yourself, or even worse, try to win it back.

Sometimes sessions go sideways for long periods of time. These are not bad sessions, especially if you are earning rakeback. The cards are just cold and it is a slow grind up and down. If you get to the point that you are starting to play too many hands from boredom, it is time to quit.

If you get to where something is distracting, like a TV show or a girlfriend, you should log off the computer and watch the TV show that interests you or spend time with your girlfriend. Poker is something that needs your undivided attention and should be played in your spare time, not something that life centers around. Go do other things when the opportunity presents itself. It will prevent you from burning out. This will keep you playing your top game when you are playing online poker.

Every poker player has been rivered in a massive pot by a one outer. If you do not handle tilt, this will take you off your game instantly. Do not be the player steaming at the table. If you are angry, go take a walk, call a friend, do anything besides play poker. It is time for a break if you are upset. Too many bankrolls have been lost while a player steamed.

Every player has played tired. Whether it is a night that every card hits you hard, or the exact opposite, sometimes it is hard to call it a night. If you are tired, you are not going to be playing your top game. Online poker will always be there. If your eyes start to get tired you may start seeing the wrong cards and make a bad play.

Do not play while drunk! I cannot say this enough. If you come home after a few beers do not even pick up the laptop. Grab a drink of water and head to bed. Drunk playing can cause you to wonder where your bankroll went the next morning. That is a terrible feeling that can be avoided.

Nobody is going to play at 100% all of the time. It is important to make sure that you are close though. If you feel your game slipping, or if you feel tilt coming on, it is time to call it a night. Online poker will be there in the morning.