Most know that it is better to learn from someone else’s mistakes rather then their own. However, I tend to disagree with this. I have only been playing seriously for about 3 months, and in that short time I spent a great deal focusing and learning about bank roll management.

I liked to pride myself on how I would painfully grind through the micro stakes to follow the rules that my BR set out. Now, I think I am an okay player in relation to the time I have spent playing, and still do. However, I foolishly went back to a game at the casino last night which was far out of my Bankroll. I had a previous win there, and thought I could conquer it again. I’m not going to say I had cold cards or anything like that. I hate it when people say that. I did think I played good poker, but it wasn’t enough and a few key hands destroyed by profit and then eventually my entire buy in.

I wouldn’t have said this last night, but I now have little regrets. Sure, there is no way I can bring back the money I lost for the moment, but the valuable lesson I received as a result of this loss will surely aid me. Sometimes you really just have to make these stupid mistakes to REALLY weed out the priceless lessons that you will learn. Sure, you can go and make a thread in the forums and have an excellent player advise you on the best way to approach that situation, but sometimes you just have to put yourself out there... jump in the deep end without your lifejacket and really see how things pan out. Ultimately, the results will be the best tuition.

Several weeks ago I would have said that I was very dedicated to sticking by my Bankroll management rules, but after the hurt the loss caused me last night I can truly say that I REALLY understand the importance of it now. Never underestimate the physiological barrier behind high stakes poker in relation to your roll. I repeat, NEVER. You may play very good poker, but the amount riding on a loss will eventually destroy you. The best advice I can give you, though most probably very foolish, is to just try it. You will see. The hurt will almost break you, almost as it did to me last night, but afterwards you will see the real importance to playing within your roll.

Peace.

****
BankRoll - $245.00
Deposit Bonus Made - $8.18
Rakeback – n/a
****
Goals:
Short Term: Work on my tournament game.
Long Term: Build my roll to $500 with cash games.

Sad to hear it man, good advice though.

Trust me. You need to destroy your roll at least once to make it mean something and appreciate it.



For me, it took two or three times to learn. :}