When should you quit playing poker?

[mynameisgreat]

Hi. I've played for about a year, mostly online. I've read a couple books, understand pot odds and have a general idea of how to play. When I play, I tend to play as a TAG for several hours, but usually end up making a bad decision or taking a bad beat and losing. I play small stakes, and am about -$200 since I started.

I figured I would lose money before I started to get good at the game, but now I'm worried that I'm destined to be a fish and should just cut my losses. How long did it take most of you to become a winning player? How much money did you lose initially? Are there any clear signs that I just don't have the capacity to be a winning player and I should stop now?

Thanks

[crunkpokerboy]

Only been playing a year?You aint even got your feet wet.You dont learn poker in a year,at least not at a serious level.Take your time before you dive right into cash games.Play hundreds of free hands on a poker site till you develop somewhat of your style.Not sure what you meant by TAG?

[john51]

only lost $200?!!?!?..
only played a year?!??!?!...
it is going to get worse before it gets better...

[jeffonline]

Playing TAG poker in small stakes cash games is a difficult task for even an experienced player, your concern about money could hinder your decisions. To advance you must find a way to win at these stakes. A few books, a few hundered dollars, a few visits to forums. It would cost you more money and time to play WOW for 12 months.

[miaowmiaowchowface]

i like your name

[ak2009]

Hi. I've played for about a year, mostly online. I've read a couple books, understand pot odds and have a general idea of how to play. When I play, I tend to play as a TAG for several hours, but usually end up making a bad decision or taking a bad beat and losing. I play small stakes, and am about -$200 since I started.

I figured I would lose money before I started to get good at the game, but now I'm worried that I'm destined to be a fish and should just cut my losses. How long did it take most of you to become a winning player? How much money did you lose initially? Are there any clear signs that I just don't have the capacity to be a winning player and I should stop now?

Thanks

If you are really good enough in poker and you can play poker till you alive, you should go ahead with your game. i can't quit playing poker whenever wherever I will find the poker game would go with it.

Have a great time ahead with your game and win.

[BeerWench13]

Quit when you either cannot afford to continue to pay to learn (that's what losing is) or you don't enjoy playing. Sometimes a break helps. Don't worry about losing money in your first year. Nearly everyone does unless they're a natural or a luckbox. Learn from your losses and eventually you should win that back and then some.

P.S. Don't always play the cards. I'm a TAG player for the most part, but you have to mix up your game. A good bluff shown or just a horrible play from a TAG player can pay big dividends.

[Isaac Mikel]

When you start masturbating over Lex Veldhuis you have to quit.

[jimmer]

Are there any clear signs that I just don't have the capacity to be a winning player and I should stop now?

I don't think you have given us enough information for us to make this decision. For example - you said you've been playing about a year and have lost approx $200. If you have been playing 8hrs a day, 5 days a week on the $2-$4 tables then $200 loss is not bad. If you play teh $0.01-$0.02 tables a few hours per month - this is pretty poor.

The same goes for how you study. My game improved massively when i started analysing my hand history after every session and posting hands i was unsure about on the forum. Visa-versa, over the last 24 months i haven't spent any time playing poker and my game has gone massively down hill.

You will only get out of something what you put into it.

From what you said though; One thing i would say is;

When I play, I tend to play as a TAG

It's good that you can identify the style of player you are but I would suggest that if you want to progress you need to think about playing "what ever style is required to beat the table". Sometimes you might want to be tight, other times loose. The last time i was in Vegas I remember not playing a single hand in approx 3 hrs cause the table was ultra aggressive. Then within 20minutes a few players went and a few others joined and i started playing LAG.

There is no right or wrong way to play - it's just another thing to bare in mind every time you are dealt a hand. At the very least - if you identify yourself as a TAG player - then others may as well. This means whenever you enter a hand they may leave knowing you are strong. You've got to mix it up and keep them guessing.