1. We have all rued the day when we overstayed our
welcome at those losing rounds of poker. In hindsight, it is
easy to see that we should have walked away hours
earlier. The problem is, if we did that, we would always be
tormented by that jackpot that was just around the
corner, awaiting a few more hands. But no, we stay and
lose right down to that last grim deal. To make matters
worse, since we have no idea why we put up with this
torture in the first place, we go back and do it again and
again.
2. What is missing in the above scenario is a critical analysis
of the situation based on logic, not a hunch. When
thinking logically about time, like say, it's time to pick up
your kid from preschool, or your spouse from the airport,
you must of course leave immediately when the time has
come. If you are at the table and the hoped for jackpot is
just around the corner so you miss important dates and
responsibilities, you are in trouble my friend. The longer
you avoid responsibility and remain at the table, the
worse your play will be because you know you are
expected elsewhere and that burdens your mind and may
well ruin your life.
3. Poker should be undertaken for amusement, not self-
flagellation. If you are not having fun, leave the game,
before your play and your psyche both suffer. Some
players begin by taking up poker for R & R, only to find
themselves overwhelmed by the game, yet are glued to
their chair for some unknown reason. They are overcome
by some obsession to stay the course, unwilling to leave as
a loser, but continue to lose and suffer. The well-balanced
player will chalk the loss up to experience, maintain their
good humor and leave the game, knowing that it isn't
always like this.
4. The first step in understanding this type of behavior is to
realize that the problem does not lie in the game of poker
itself. It lies in you and your persistence in continuing to
play and to lose at an "amusement" that is pointless and
unproductive and at which you are not having fun. This is
avoidance and self-delusion at its finest, having no
connection with poker.
5. If this is you, I'm sure you will find that this psychology
affects other parts of your life and activities as well. Try
training your concentration on other aspects of your life
when you find yourself pondering the stupidity of
remaining in a losing situation at poker hand after hand.
Envision yourself in other functions instead of half-assed
playing in a doomed game. You may be able to identify the
source of your idiotic obstinance and change your game
and your life for the better.
6. Keep an open mind when doing this mental exercise, it
may be anything from job dissatisfaction to suppressed
anger or grief. Once you have come to a conclusion, deal
with it, and you will more easily be able to cut your losses
by leaving the table.