Taking a break was good for my poker soul

[xGinNJuicex]

I just played my first two sessions since taking a 6 week break from poker. I began playing seriously about a year and a half ago, and had an up and down first year at low levels. I had plenty of success before I had a significant breakdown in success that started in February or so. I was so frustrated towards the end that my play suffered dramatically.

I have a different outlook on the game after my six week hiatus (spelling?). I spent the first three weeks ignoring anything that had to do with poker, and the last three weeks reading about strategy and trying to get my outlook on the game straightened out. Playing today was extremely refreshing. I played very well despite breaking even. I'm still a donkey, but I'm learning, and hopefully this break is one thing I needed to help me move forward.

Perhaps none of you care, but I thought I'd share.

[K-rug]

I can relate.

Today was my first day back to the online world in almost a year. I've been playing for the better part of five years.

I didn't stop because of anything other than life got busy so I couldn't be in front of a computer as long as I used to. I've still been playing local games and up in AC at the Trop regularly.

WOW... Just when you think you can't learn anymore more and convince yourself it is all about playing style or personal choices you see something. I didn't realize how much I learned during my break from playing online and how much real life playing schooled me. It's like a new set of glasses. I'm seeing things online that I never saw before.

Whether you get frustrated or just want a break, stepping away can do loads of good for ones soul. I've done it many times. Recognizing when you are frustrated and what your weaknesses are is a good sign.

[jimmer]

Welcome back to both of you.

After a break from poker, i guess you also need to be aware of the "bad beat" factor. If you've had a break because poker was screwing with your mind (which sounds like this is the case for you xGinNJuicex), then if you end up taking a few bad beats in the first few days, you may just want to throw the towel in and decide poker just isn't the game for you. This may not be the right decision as bad beats do happen to all of us.

It's not how we play the hand that makes us great, it's how we learn from it.

I'm not saying it's gonna happen (and i hope it doesn't). I just think it's something you need to prepare for just in case it does.

Once again, welcome back guys and GL to you.

[Klientele]

Hello,

I read throuh the Op's post and the replies. I just wanted to vent a little. I am about to take some time off from poker. I have been in the midst of a losing streak beyond imagination. Everytime I think I may have gotten out of it, the bad beats just come right back. I have taken up to 3 days off at a time recently, having been an everyday player and always shown a profit. My mood has gotten so sour, Poker is just not worth it right now. Plus my BR is almost at nil and I think I am hellbent on just watching it all dissolve like some twisted horror story unfilding in front of my eyes, and I'm the star of the show. I have sent hand histories to my buddies and they univresally agree it's not me, it's horrid luck. The furstrating thing is it has a theme. I am a SnG player, not into cash games much. I am winning consistently to get to the final table with a top stack. I then go on to lose anywhere near the bubble or maybe just the last payout spot. I am going down with nothing but premium cards. AA is cracked now regularly. AK and AQ never hit for me late when i need it. Every pocket pair 9's or better i push the other guy makes his pair with Ax or Kx. Worst of all I am losing every time I catch a shortstack shoving Ax and I have them dominated with a higher A. It's like the twilight zone. Being a Basketball and a sports player. This is so hard for me to deal with
In sports, you win you lose and yes some luck is involved but your skill and heart usually allow you to get the win if you're good. Poker is not that though. I'm doing everything right, getting my chips in with the best hands and the results are defying all the laws of probability and mathematics.

Anyway I'm sorry to vent. This is my first time posting on any forums ever about Poker. This is my first time going through this with Poker. I just feel like no matter what I can't control my own destiny and it's just killing me inside. I love the game so much but right now it's just doing me so wrong so I have to step away For my own sanity.

Hope I didn't bore you.....
Maybe someone will have something positive to say that may make me feel like I'm not alone in this pain....

K.