Poker’s been a crowd-puller for forever. It was this massive love that kicked off the poker boom of the early 2000s. But you know how it goes—where there’s money flowing, the watchdogs come sniffing. 

Sure enough, the U.S. Department of Justice stuck their oar in, going after Party Poker, Cereus Network and other online poker giants for stepping over the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) line.

It gave the industry a knock, but you can’t keep a good game down. The passion is still burning bright—just look at how online poker shot up by 43% during those lockdown days. Bring in YouTube, the video-sharing giant thriving since 2005, and you have for yourself a goldmine of poker knowledge right at your fingertips.

There’s no shortage of YouTube channels dispensing poker wisdom these days. But who’s worth your time? We’ve rounded up 4 of the best to sort that out for you.

1. Bet M

For Bet M, their February 2024 entry into the YouTube poker education space proves that timing isn’t everything.

The team primarily operates a comprehensive website, delivering honest casino reviews and well-researched gambling guides. 

Their focus remains on keeping players informed, successful, and current. With regular updates on casino and betting promotions, you won’t ever miss any valuable opportunities.

They’ve brought that same educational spirit to YouTube, offering the kind of content you don’t see every day. We’re talking about thought-provoking discussion videos like “Which President Would Be The Best Poker Player?” 

Additionally, you have Daniel Negreanu and other poker big dogs breaking down poker concepts and answering questions. Then there are these pre-recorded “What Would You Do?” sessions that really get you thinking about how you’d handle different real poker situations.

Bet M has published 696 videos from nowhere, and people are loving it—already sitting on 356 subscribers and over 427,000 views. 

Just imagine where they’ll be in a year’s time. Better hit that subscribe button now if you don’t want to miss out on their quality content and watch them take off.

2. Daniel Negreanu

Professional poker player Daniel Negreanu, popularly known as “Kid Poker,” rose to fame during the poker boom. He has been a fan favorite ever since—and with $52.4 million in live tournament winnings, he has the credentials to back it up.

If you’re talking about poker celebrities, Negreanu is probably the first name that comes to mind. He saw the potential in YouTube early, launching his channel, “Daniel Negreanu,” back in 2006.

Today, there are over 863,000 subscribers tuning in to learn from the man who has won more tournament money than most of us will see in ten lifetimes.

Negreanu keeps his channel fresh with a range of poker-related content. His channel comprises strategy breakdowns for beginners (with some advanced gems thrown in), live streams that’ll keep you up all night, and his yearly WSOP vlogs that feel like you’re right there with him. 

Then there is the DAT Poker Podcast and hand reviews that’ll make you think twice about your game, and these incredible sessions with fellow poker royalty like Phil Ivey.

His approach to poker education is clearly flourishing—over 1,000 videos deep and sitting at 151.4 million lifetime views.

3. PokerStars

PokerStars has been a driving force in online poker since launching real money games on December 12, 2001. This platform didn’t just participate in the industry—it brought us the world’s biggest online poker tournament.

Over the last twenty years, PokerStars has adeptly managed numerous integral shifts. They’ve made strategic acquisitions following the poker Black Friday period, including Full Tilt Poker. Flutter Entertainment acquired PokerStars’ parent company in 2020. 

PokerStars has been busy striking deals with heavy hitters like Microgaming and Red Bull Racing, while pushing the envelope with innovations like PokerStars VR in 2018 and their peer-to-peer betting exchange in 2022.

They have an eye for talent too, building their PokerStars Pro Team Online with some serious streaming firepower. You have personalities like Ben Spragg and Lex Veldhuis keeping the community entertained and informed.

Since launching their YouTube channel in 2006—the same year as Negreanu—PokerStars has delivered comprehensive coverage of both their live and online operations while encouraging responsible gambling.

Their content portfolio impresses with European Poker Tour (EPT) highlights, detailed strategy walkthroughs, and professional poker tips. The Learn Series caters to beginners, while epic hand analyses and weekly compilations keep viewers engaged. 

Additional series like The Big Game and Shark Cage round out their educational entertainment approach, resulting in over 1.4 billion lifetime views and 1.86 million subscribers following their progress.

4. Wolfgang Poker

Known as the first poker vlogger to cross one million subscribers on YouTube, Alexander “Wolfgang” Seibt is the man behind the channel “Wolfgang Poker”. The channel continues to grow, now sitting at 1.5 million subscribers.

Poker has been in Seibt’s story since age twelve, though he initially showed promise as a soccer player. His watershed moment came during a basement card game with friends, where a $5 six-way flip turned into a $30 win. That excitement convinced Seibt that his future lay with cards rather than on the soccer field.

After finding his footing at the poker tables, Seibt launched his YouTube channel in 2017, determined to avoid the conventional 9-to-5 path after graduation. His breakthrough came unexpectedly—a Justin Bieber impersonation video that garnered millions of views and led to a video editing position with Vitaly, a Russian prank channel.

Drawing inspiration from poker vloggers like Tim “TheTrooper97” Watts and leveraging new friendships in the community, Seibt recognized an opportunity to create his own poker content. His first poker videos, despite showcasing admittedly amateur play, attracted over 10,000 views—enough encouragement to keep him going.

Today, Seibt’s content reflects his growing expertise and passion for the game. His channel features tournament runs, EPT sessions from Monte Carlo to Barcelona, and engaging content like “I Flopped QUADS and My Opponent WON'T STOP BETTING!!” 

He regularly collaborates with fellow professionals like Brad Owen and Rampage.

As a celebrity poker tour champion, Seibt has accumulated over 987.1 million lifetime views. His content now spans high-stakes tournaments with up to $4 million prizes and cash games featuring up to $40,000 pots, proving just how far he’s come from those basement games.

Once upon a time, our best shot at seeing people beyond our local friends play was through those quite interesting (back then) but now yawn-inducing one-way communication live TV shows like World Poker Tour (WPT), Poker After Dark and World Series of Poker (WSOP). You’d get to watch the pros play beyond your usual casual games.

But there was no direct way to get stuck in or learn on the fly, like you can now with the blessing that is Twitch, YouTube, and other streaming platforms. 

Seems like some poker brainboxes have been itching for this, as nowadays, they’re channeling their passion through these platforms, chatting with you and their other knowledge-hungry followers about what’s going on in their heads as they play their hands. 

It’s turned into big business now, but without sacrificing that educational value.

We’ve rounded up the 4 best poker streamers that’ll give you that entertaining-educational one-two punch.

1. Lex Veldhuis

Proudly Dutch, Lex Veldhuis is one of the biggest names in poker streaming these days. His poker journey kicked off in a bit of an odd way, though.

He wasn’t some young poker nut to start with, just a man playing StarCraft, that popular Blizzard Entertainment sci-fi game.

Then, one day, he bumps into French poker player Bertrand Grospellier, who was so keen to get Veldhuis into poker that he deposited $10 into Veldhuis’ PokerStars account back in 2005. That was Veldhuis’ first taste.

Veldhuis has been a proper poker victor ever since, making a strong showing at the 2009 World Series of Poker by advancing to Day 2, and loads more, with live poker winnings topping $700,000.

After years in the live game, Veldhuis decided to try online poker streaming on Twitch under the name LexVeldhuis with PokerStars Pro Team Online.

Now, he streams high/mid-stakes tournaments on PokerStars with average monthly buy-ins of $40,000, giving him the pace he couldn’t get in live poker. 

That, along with his top-notch commentary, is what keeps his audience hooked. His stream even hit a poker-streamer-record breaking 58,780 viewers in 2020.

His stream has clocked up over 183,680 watch hours and 323,780 followers on Twitch.

2. Ben Spragg

The poker journey kicked off in 2012 with cash games for British poker player Ben “Spraggy” Spragg, fresh out of university.

When he switched over to tournament poker, Spragg hit the big time in the streaming space after winning a laughably tiny $7.5 low-stakes tournament—though you would think it was the World Series final by his reaction.

The husband of Marle Spragg and another face on the PokerStars team got his start with the Twitch channel Spraggy, initially teaming up with his fellow streamer friend Fintan Hand.

Those low-stakes tournaments that put Spragg on the map are still his bread and butter today, though he covers high rollers, too. 

He breaks down his gameplay on Twitch with proper engaging chat and loads of knowledge to share, plus some standalone teaching content (especially on YouTube). It’s earned him over 170k followers and a whopping 101,390 watch hours on Twitch.

3. Arlie Shaban

Lots of people think this Canadian shot to fame mainly through his stint on Big Brother Canada 2 back in 2014. 

But my unpopular opinion is that what really got the spotlight burning was when he went mental three years later, quitting his car salesman job and streaming for an insane 1,000 hours over 125 days straight. That’s when fame couldn’t help but notice.

Arlie Shaban has kept that “go big or go home” attitude in his content, taking on the Herculean Challenge from the Poker Gods which landed him a nice $30,000 Platinum Pass from PokerStars. 

As of October 22, 2024, he has over 56k Twitch followers who can’t get enough of this madman approach—it’s one of the main things that makes Shaban’s streams click; now, he’s a proper PokerStars Ambassador.

4. Kevin Martin

The bookie of our list, Kevin Martin, grew up in a small town in northern Alberta where he’d devour poker strategy books like they were going out of fashion. On his entry into the poker space, he knew he’d found his home.

Starting with small cash games bouncing around Canadian casinos, Martin worked his way up to online tournaments once he’d built himself a decent bankroll.

He’s accumulated over $200,000 in live cash across 4 Calgary tournament wins, with his biggest payout coming as runner-up at Run It Up Reno VII Main Event, pocketing $48,210. This was after he’d joined Team PokerStars Pro Online in 2016.

Martin was one of the early users of Twitch and one of the earliest poker streamers on our list. Like Arlie Shaban, he’s done his time on Big Brother Canada. He has been streaming his poker since 2015; Martin’s a pioneer who’s always pushing forward but knows when to take a breather.

His break came in 2019 after banking that massive $200k. When he came back, he joined partypoker Team Online, but that didn’t really feel like home.

GGPoker’s GGSquad, the following year in 2020, was where he really found his feet and blossomed into their main ambassador.

Martin, who started out as a losing low-stakes player, if you can believe it, is now smashing it in high-stakes games. He even claimed the 2022 Global Poker Award for Streamer of the Year. 

These days he’s taking his audience along for the ride on his live streams, entertaining over 115,000 subscribers and clocking up more than 28.09 million lifetime views on his Kmart Poker YouTube channel, which is where he’s putting most of his energy nowadays.

Whether you're trying to make a living out of poker or just playing to have a good time, you must know how to manage your bankroll. Now, some might hate doing the math, but seriously, it’s no rocket science.

For starters, you can get confused with how big your bankroll should be so you can wager without worrying about getting broke. Bankroll management is all about using your funds wisely and making sure you have enough money to handle the inevitable downswings in Poker.

It not only increases the time of your gameplay but will also make a huge difference in your long-term success.

Alright, let’s break down the basics of bankroll management and check out the 10 tips that can totally change your poker game for the better.

What is a Bankroll?

Your bankroll is simply the money you’ve set aside specifically for playing poker. If you want to do this right, the first step is to separate it from your personal finances — seriously, no one's covering your bills or beer!

How it’s Done

Let’s say you’ve set aside $200 for your bankroll. You decide to play at a $0.25/$0.50 cash game, where it’s usually good to have 20 to 30 buy-ins (around $500 to $750 for $50 buy-in), but you’re keeping it small with your $200.

If you plan to play once weekly, you could set $50 for the month, letting you buy in for $25 each session. As you keep track of your wins and losses — maybe you win $30 one week but lose $15 the next — your bankroll could go up to $215. 

This way you can easily adjust your stakes based on how much you have, making the game less stressful.

Of your wins and losses—maybe you win $30 one week but lose $15 the next—your bankroll could go up to $215. This way, you can easily adjust your stakes based on how much you have, making your poker experience much more fun and stress-free!

What’s a Good Poker Bankroll?

As Daniel Negreanu said, “I could say you need $1.2 billion to confidently play $1/$2 No Limit Hold’em against Phil Ivey without the fear of getting broke.” Though it's a joke, it emphasizes strict bankroll management.

According to Negreanu, a good bankroll depends on so many factors like your risk tolerance, your skill level, your aspirations and how well you manage your expenses.

Beginners can start with $10 to $200, while more experienced players might begin with $1000 or more. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 20-30 buy-ins for cash games, 100-150 for tournaments and 50-100 for Sit and Go games.

Starting with freerolls or low-stakes games is a smart way to gain experience without risking too much money. 

The right bankroll is a personal choice based on your situation and what you like. Take some time to think about your poker experience, consider how much risk you’re comfortable with, and create a plan that works for you.

Tips to Manage Your Bankroll 

Check out these 10 super-easy tips that’ll help you manage your bankroll like a pro.

1. Set a Budget

For both casual and recreational players, setting a budget is non-negotiable. Just go through your finances and observe how much you can comfortably allocate to poker.

Don’t go overboard — you’re not gonna become a billionaire overnight, though you can go bankrupt in one. Don’t spend a huge amount on gambling activities. Set a realistic budget to make sure that poker remains fun rather than being financially stressful.

2. Separate Your Poker and Personal finances.

Keeping your poker funds separate from your everyday finances helps you track your bankroll accurately. Think of opening different bank accounts, and if that sounds too complicated for you – you can also try keeping your poker money in a separate online poker platform. This way, you don’t have to worry about accidentally spending all your hard-earned cash on poker.

3. Find a Game You Can Beat

When it comes to bankroll management, one of the most important things is to find a game you can actually beat. Look for tables where you can assess the skill level of your opponents.

Pay attention to the dynamic of the table, too. If it’s loose and passive, you might find great opportunities to take advantage of weaker players.

If you notice you’re consistently outplaying the players at your table, you’ve found a good spot. 

4. Choose Your Stakes Wisely

Your bankroll is your poker budget, and it decides how much you should be betting. If you choose to play at stakes that are too high for your bankroll, you risk losing it all.

It’s important to stick to games where you have enough money set aside to handle losses. This way, you won’t be forced to quit or play recklessly just to recover what you’ve lost. Playing within your means keeps the game enjoyable and sustainable.

5. Use the 80/20 Rule

According to poker experts, a good strategy is to allocate 80% of your bankroll for cash games and 20% for tournaments. This helps manage risk while still allowing for tournament play, which can be more volatile.

6. Avoid Emotional Decisions

Poker can really test your mind and heart. The pressure is intense when you watch your opponents win. To chase your losses, you start making impulsive decisions that aren't backed by any logic. 

By the end of the game, you’ll be sitting at the table with an empty pocket. If you find yourself on a losing streak, it’s smart to lower your stakes. Keep your emotions at home while you head for a poker game. That way, you’ll have a more stable mindset, reducing the pressure to win back losses.

7. Avoid High-Risk Strategies

Be careful with high-risk bankroll strategies like the Martingale system, which tells you to double your bets after a loss. While it might seem like a way to get your money back, it can be risky and can lead to big losses over time.

8. Focus on Cash Games

Cash games and tournaments are quite different, especially when it comes to variance and how much money you need. In cash games, the variance is usually lower, so you don’t need as big a bankroll compared to tournaments. This is because you can leave the table and cash out anytime in cash games, but in tournaments, you gotta stick till the end.

9. Have a Withdrawal Plan

It’s like giving yourself a little pat on the back for your hard work. For example, let’s say you’ve built up your bankroll to $1000. If you set a rule to withdraw 20% of your profits after reaching that amount, you’d take out $200.

That way, even if you have a bad day at the tables, you’ve already secured some winnings. It helps you feel more in control and less likely to chase losses since you have cash in hand.

10. Stay Disciplined

Resist the urge to play outside your bankroll. Staying disciplined can go a long way. Avoid using your bankroll like an ATM. If you keep taking money out, you could run low and increase your risk of losing it all.

Instead, try to leave your winning in your bankroll to help it grow. Over time, this will give you more money to play with, allowing you to enter bigger games and take better shots at winning.

Assessing Bankroll Size Based on Win Rate and Variance

Your bankroll should reflect both your win rate and the variance of the games you play. Your win rate, measured in big blinds won per 100 hands, can help you gauge how much you need.

A consistent win rate means you can manage with a smaller bankroll since you’re likely to recover from losses. Variance plays a role too — different games have different levels of risk. For example, No Limit Texas Hold’em usually has a higher variance than fixed-limit games. Adjust your bankroll based on these factors and your personal comfort with risk.

Conclusion

Now you know all the amazing tips to manage your poker bankroll. Keep your poker funds separate from personal money, and choose games where you have an edge. Bet within your limits and make regular withdrawals to lock in your earnings. Avoid risky strategies and maintain discipline to minimize losses. 

By following these tips, you’ll be able to secure your earnings most efficiently while enjoying poker to the fullest.

You’re riding high with a great hand, ready to scoop up the chips, and then — boom! A bad beat hits harder than your mother-in-law’s criticism at Thanksgiving. One minute you feel like a poker prodigy; the next, you’re questioning your life choices and whether you should’ve stuck to monopoly. 

Bad beats are unavoidable in poker as that one friend who insists on playing “just one more hand.” But don’t let them get you down.

In this article, we’ll share 11 tips to help you laugh off those frustrating moments and keep your cool at the table. As Daniel Negreanu said: “Bad beats happen to everybody…You’re going to get your pocket aces cracked by a nine-deuce”. Check out a few tips to handle bad beats from the poker legend himself.

What is a Bad Beat?

A bad beat in poker is when you’ve got a solid hand that seems poised for victory, only to lose to a worse hand, thanks to some unexpected cards on the river. It’s frustrating because you feel you made the right call based on your hand’s strength, but then luck steps in and flips the script.

Example of Bad Beat

Imagine you're playing Texas Hold’em, holding an Ace of Hearts (A♥) and a King of Hearts(K♥). The community cards show A♠, A♦, K♣, and 7♣. With a set of Aces and a King kicker, you’ve got a solid hand and bet aggressively feeling confident about your chances.

But then your opponent reveals a hand of 7♦ and 7♥. Just when you’re in the clear, the river card flips over 7♠. Now, the final community cards are A♠, A♦, K♣, 7♣, and 7♠ giving your opponent four of a kind with their sevens.

Despite having what seemed like a winning hand, you end up losing to quads. Harsh Reality!

Playing Against Recreational Players

The recreational or fun players are unpredictable and often make strange decisions, such as staying in weak hands. While this increases the likelihood of bad beats, it also means you have an edge in the long run because they’re playing poorly.

Aggressive Play

In deep stack games, ramping up your bet size — even going for an overbet — can be a smart move to force opponents out of marginal hands. This strategy lowers the chances of them hitting lucky cards on the river. But let’s be real: it’s not a guaranteed win since some players will call you down with just about anything.

11 Ways to Cope With Bad Beats

Many players struggle with bad beats, and unfortunately, there is no way to fully prevent them. The key is learning how to cope with them when they do happen.

1. Accept The Reality

First things first, acknowledge that bad beats are just part of the game. No player is immune, not even legends. Take Phil Ivey, for instance — he’s had his share of heartbreaking losses. Understand that poker is a game of skill and luck, and variance will always be a factor.

2. Focus on Your Decision

Accepting that bad beats are part of the game, you can stay grounded. If you’re 80% to win, you’ll still lose one out of every five times. Instead of stressing over wins or losses, focus on making good decisions.

3. Take a Break

If the poker table is getting a bit too heated and frustration is creeping in, don’t hesitate to take a step back. Seriously, a little break can do wonders for your mindset. 

Go for a short walk, grab a drink, or even just breathe in some fresh air. This quick reset can help clear your mind and let you return to the table ready to play smart.

4. Avoid Unrealistic Expectations

Many players have pointed out that holding unrealistic expectations about winning can lead to a world of disappointment. It’s crucial to recalibrate your expectations to match poker’s probabilistic nature. 

Just because someone’s a favorite at 70/30 does not guarantee they’ll always snag the victory. Accepting these realities can help you handle the ups and downs of the game more smoothly.

Dr. Tricia Carter suggests that poker players set realistic expectations to build mental strength. By getting ready for common challenges, players can lessen their frustration and avoid going on tilt. She warns that being too optimistic can lead to disappointment.

5. Practice Bankroll Management

Always play within your budget. A good bankroll management strategy can cushion the impact of losing a big pot. 

For example, if you’ve set aside a specific amount to play with for the night, sticking to that limit helps you avoid chasing losses when you lose a hand you played well. Before you dive into the poker world, you must learn the basics of bankroll management. Check out this ultimate guide to poker bankroll management.

6. Stay Positive and Motivated

Keeping a positive attitude in poker is essential for staying motivated, especially when facing ups and downs. Rather than solely focusing on winning, celebrate the little victories, like reading an opponent’s bluff or making a smart fold.

Remember, not every session will yield big wins, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn something valuable. Focus on your gameplay and the skills you showcased, as progress is more about the journey than just the outcome.

7. Connect with Others

Don’t keep those bad beat stories bottled up! Share your experience with fellow players who get it. Discussing bad beats can help you process your feelings, and you might find some humor in the situation. Remember the time you went all in with a straight flush only to lose to a four-of-a-kind? Laughing about it with friends can lighten the mood.

8. Learn from the Experience

Every bad beat is an opportunity to learn. Take a moment to analyze the hand and think about how you might approach it differently next time. Continuous learning is key to long-term success in poker.

9. Practice Mindfulness

Consider techniques like deep breathing or meditation to calm your mind and reduce stress. This can be especially useful after a rough session. When you take the time to breathe and recenter, you’ll find it easier to bounce back from setbacks.

10. Play More Hands

Engaging in more hands can help players become desensitized to bad beats, especially when they have a solid bankroll to back it up. The more you play, the easier it becomes to let go of frustrating losses.

11. Show Gratitude

The very opportunity to play poker is something to appreciate, especially considering that many people around the world don’t have such privileges. When bad beats or unlucky streaks hit, taking a step back and remembering how fortunate you are to even be in the game can put things in perspective. 

This broader outlook can help you shake off those tough moments, find humor in the situation, and ultimately stay grounded and motivated.

Conclusion

Now you know that bad beats are a common part of poker, and even the pros experience them. Instead of letting them get to you, focus on making smart decisions. Manage your bankroll wisely, and keep your expectations realistic.

Celebrate the small victories, share your experience with fellow players, and view each setback as a learning opportunity.

By maintaining a positive attitude and practicing mindfulness, you can bounce back stronger and continue enjoying the game.

While poker may appear as a simple card game, a lot is going on behind the scenes. 

Downswings can really drain you, even when you know they’re bound to happen. There are several reasons poker can be mentally exhausting. It can gradually wear down your confidence, making you question your skills and luck. 

However, poker is generally fun and not overly stressful. For instance, if you play three online tournaments in a week — cashed two but busted early in the third – you’ll still end up ahead. 

No doubt, Americans love this game. 

According to Global Brands Magazine, “There are 100 million online poker players worldwide, with 60 million of those based in the United States.”

The important thing is — if you can identify those stressors early, you can adapt your strategy on the fly or take a short break to regain your composure. Recognizing these mental and emotional pressures will help you maintain your focus and level-up your game.

Keep reading the article to find out what causes stress in poker and how you can deal with it.

7 Reasons Why Poker Creates Stress

Poker players are not only dealt with cards but also the mental and emotional stress that comes along free of charge. 

To get ahead in poker, you must figure out what’s causing you stress and handle it appropriately. Let’s take a quick look at the factors causing stress in poker and how to cope with them.

1. High Stakes

Sometimes, the urge to gamble is just too strong to ignore. When you’re not just playing for peanuts, and your hard-earned cash is on the line, stress can kick in big time. Watching your bankroll shrink faster than you can say all in can really mess with your mind. 

How to Deal With It

First, set strict limits for yourself. Figure out exactly how much you want to be set aside for your bankroll — that won’t interfere with your other expenses. Only invest the amount you’ve set aside, and avoid going overboard to chase losses. This will help keep your stress level under control.

2. Unpredictability

Poker is more than just a gamble — it’s a skill game full of surprises. While luck deals with the cards, the real challenge is managing the bets and making smart decisions under pressure. This high-stakes game pushes you to be precise with probabilities and learn from mistakes fast.

The game keeps you on your toes, tossing you from raking in the pot one minute to staring down bankruptcy the next. The need to adapt quickly and handle the game’s wild swings can definitely crank up the stress level.

How to Deal With It

You must accept the fact that winning and losing is a part of the game. Poker is a wild ride with unpredictable swings, so it’s essential to stay cool and adapt fast. Sharpen your skills in understanding poker probabilities and making decisions under pressure.

Make a habit to review your game so that you can tweak your strategy when required. Set realistic goals for improving your gameplay, not just winning, to keep your stress levels down.

3. Mental Strain

While poker’s great to boost your analytical skills and decision-making, all that bluffing, reading opponent tells, and crunching numbers can make your brain feel like it’s trapped in a stock market. Plus the pressure to hit your goals can get seriously exhausting.

Even the poker champ Daniel Negreanu faced a lot of stress during the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) as he had high-pressure goals and was bothered by smoking in the casino, which messed with his performance and mental state. According to the report, Negreanu said, “This is so f*cking annoying. It’s so f*cking tilting (a poker term for frustrating). This whole thing has been. Everything bothers me at like an 11 because I’m so stressed.”

Tournaments, with their high variance and constant pressure, seem to exacerbate mental strain more than cash games. The stress often increases as blinds rise or players approach final tables, leading some to prefer the lower-stress environment of cash games.

The mental exhaustion from having to focus for longer periods, especially under pressure, adds up over time, hurting both your performance and well-being.

How to Deal With It

Players who can keep their cool tend to perform better over time, as they’re not as affected by the outcome of every single hand or tournament. Looking at the long-term rather than immediate results helps reduce mental stress.

Keeping fit through exercise, eating well, and getting plenty of sleep helps keep your mind clear. Developing a consistent pregame routine can ease anxiety.

Seeking support from fellow players or mental health professionals and staying positive by focusing on the enjoyable aspects of the game can further help you handle the mental demands of poker. 

4. Emotional Rollercoaster

A high-stake game can really stirrup your emotions. Anxiety, tension, and even physical symptoms like a racing heart or sleepless nights are common, with the pressure of losing or huge pots adding even more stress.

Many players admit to “emotional leaks”, where feelings like frustration or fear start affecting their decisions, which makes mental control a key part of the game.

In short, wins and losses can cause emotional ups and downs, making it tough to stay calm and balanced.

How to Deal With It

In poker and life, managing your emotions is crucial. Don’t let a bad hand throw you off back, focus on the positives and keep an eye out for new opportunities. Stay grounded like Keanu Reeves and don’t let your ego take over. Keep celebrating your wins but stay ready for whatever comes next.

5. Self-Doubt

Confidence is a tricky thing in poker — too much and you’re a train wreck, too little and you’re second-guessing every move. A bad run of cards can leave you questioning your gut, even when you're making all the right plays.

Most poker players don't start out oozing confidence — they have to build it over time. Poker can teach you some pretty valuable life skills, like how to trust yourself and your decisions.

How to Deal With It

Confidence in poker is all about trusting yourself and your abilities without getting too cocky. Poker players need to be able to read their opponents, predict moves, and adjust their strategies as the game progresses. To pull off those daring bluffs, they need to back their decisions with enough confidence to make them believable. 

6. Peer Pressure

In live poker games, the pressure of everyone watching can really mess with your head. You don’t want to look silly in front of others, so you might start doubting your gut and get anxious.

And if you’re having a rough night, it’s easy to go on tilt, where your emotions get the best of you, and you start playing like you’ve had one too many cocktails. In short, the more people are watching, the harder it is to say cool and collected.

How to Deal With It

Use the presence of others as motivation rather than a burden. Think of it as a chance to prove your skills and stay determined to perform well.

7. Long Sessions

Ever wonder why massage therapists are there at big tournaments like WSOP? It’s not for the luxury, but it’s because poker can be physically draining for players. The prolonged sitting, coupled with the stress of high-stakes play, can cause significant discomfort.

How to Deal With It

Finding the right length of the poker session helps keep you sharp. Beginners should aim for 1 to 2 hours to prevent fatigue, while experienced players might extend their sessions up to 8 hours with breaks to stay effective.

Conclusion

Now you know what causes stress in poker and how to handle it like a pro. Poker isn't just about shuffling cards and making big bets; it’s a full-on emotional and mental workout. The highs and lows can be intense, that's it’s like being on an emotional treadmill, constantly switching between stress and excitement.

To handle it all, set firm limits for yourself, stay adaptable to the game's unpredictable swings, and don’t let a single bad hand derail your entire session.

So, the next time you’re all STRESSED-OUT — take a break,  regroup and come back with a fresh perspective. 

In poker, downswings are like an unwelcome guest that shows up whether you’ve invited them or not. One moment, you’re on fire, stacking chips like a pro, and the next, they’re slipping away like sand through your fingers. Even the pros, with all their PERFECT strategies, have faced some of their worst moments.

While your skills can save you most of the time — downswings are a natural part of the game. The player who knows how to handle a poker downswing can easily take control and emerge triumphant in the long run.

Losing a couple of hands doesn't mean you’re on the verge of extinction—seriously, you’re not a dinosaur! Just stick to a few tips mentioned in the article, and you’ll bounce back from those inevitable poker downswings in no time.

What Does Downswing Mean in Poker?

Poker is a game that can be incredibly rewarding or brutally punishing, largely depending on how luck plays out. A downswing is an extended period marked by consistent losses, which is different from the usual short-term losses every player should expect.

This can last from weeks to months. Now, if you’re a bit of a maniac at the table, splashing chips like it’s a pool party, those downswings are gonna hit you even harder.

On the flip side, disciplined players who know their win rate and can smoothly ride the variance wave without losing their minds. The key is keeping your head in the game and not letting a bad streak send you into full-on tilt mode. It’s poker — sometimes you’re the shark, and sometimes you’re just feeding the fish!

Your win rate also has a significant impact on the duration and intensity of downswings. Players with higher win rates typically experience shorter and less painful downswings, while those with lower win rates may face more frequent and severe losing streaks. So, keeping an eye on your numbers can help you tackle the ups and downs of the game.

8 Tips for Handling Downswings

Experiencing a downswing, especially after a significant upswing, can be mentally challenging, leading to poor decision-making and emotional distress. But here are a few ways you can handle this situation.

1. Take a Break

Sometimes, the smartest move is to step away from the table. When you’re in the thick of a losing streak, emotions can run high clouding your judgment. A little time off can help you clear your head, like if you’ve been grinding at a cash game and feel frustrated after a bad beat, consider walking away for a couple of hours.

Grab a coffee or watch something light-hearted. When you return, you’ll have a fresh perspective, and you might find more rational decisions instead of playing on tilt.

2. Study

Use the downtime wisely. While you may not be at the tables, you can still be improving your game. Spend some time watching training videos or reading poker books that focus on specific areas you want to enhance.

3. Play Lower Stakes

Moving down to lower stakes can help you regain your confidence without pressure. If you’re a $1/$2 cash game player, consider paying $0.50/$1 for a few sessions. The lower pressure allows you to focus more on playing well rather than worrying about losing large amounts of money. You may find that you can play more freely, and as you regain your footing, you can gradually move back up to your usual stakes.

4. Shorter Sessions

Playing shorter sessions can limit your exposure to losses while increasing your chances of leaving on a high note. Instead of committing to a marathon session, set a timer for yourself, perhaps aiming for two hours or so. 

However, if you’re playing for 4 hours every day — that’s highly unhealthy for your mind and body. Also, if you’re not doing well, you can leave with minimal losses or a small profit.

5. Track Your Hands

By writing down key hands and analyzing them later, you can pinpoint mistakes and learn from them. For example, after a session, you might note that you lost a big pot due to a misguided bluff. Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding that hand can help you recognize patterns in your play, allowing you to adjust your strategy for similar situations in the future.

6. Reflect on Past Successes

When you’re in a downswing, it can be easy to forget about your successes. Just take a quick flashback of your past winnings. Perhaps you had a strong run in the tournament or a cash game where you made a brilliant play.

This positive reinforcement can level up your confidence and remind you that you’ve sailed through tough times before.

7. Talk to Friends

Engaging with friends who understand poker can provide invaluable support. They can offer insights or advice that non-poker friends might not grasp. For instance, if you share your frustrations about a recent session with a fellow poker player, they might remind you of the ups and downs of variance, sharing their own experiences of overcoming a downswing.

8. Divert Your Mind

Downswings are inevitable due to variance in poker. To tackle it smoothly, don’t let your emotions run the game. Switch your focus to other aspects of your life, like fitness, relationships, and self-improvement, to stay balanced. Poker shouldn't use up all your energy, having other goals helps keep things in perspective and avoid burnout.

Tournaments VS Cash Game Dowswings

Downswings in tournaments can feel a lot rougher and last longer compared to cash games. That’s because tournaments have more variance and fewer chances to bounce back.

Only a small percentage of players actually make money, and with the prize money heavily skewed towards the top finishers, it’s easy to go on long stretches without a win. Plus, once you’re out of the tournament, that’s it — you don’t get another shot until the next one.

Cash games are different. Since you keep buying in and playing, the swings are usually smaller and more manageable as the wins and losses tend to balance out over time.

Conclusion

Dealing with downswings is one of the hardest challenges in poker. The trick isn't avoiding them (let’s face it, you can't!), but knowing how to handle them without losing your cool. Take a breather, drop down to lower stakes, or dive into some strategy videos — anything to freshen up your mind.

Remember a few rough sessions doesn't mean you’ve forgotten how to play. Just accept that downswings are a part of the game and you can come out as a winner if you can learn to cope with it smartly.