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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
