Life on the downswing

Damn poker sucks when you lose. I mean, it may be the least enjoyable thing on the planet - worse than super-AIDS.

If anyone was a budding poker player that has experienced some success and was considering playing full time, I would advise them to reconsider strongly. Poker really doesn't take up that much time. I mean, honestly, who can play day in day out for 8+ hours a day? I sure as fuck can't, although I don't love the game as much as I once did. However, it takes a really fucked up person with ridiculous drive/ambition/whatever to play "full time". Even with a job, you can still play as much as you'd like, and weekends (aka juicytown) are always available for binge sessions.

Whats interesting about most successful small-mid stakes grinders is they tend to be alike in almost every way. They think alike, have similar brain patterns, etc. Most of us have a fairly risk-averse way about things, which is one of the reasons why we've been successful. We make sure we are properly rolled, don't make stupid risks, don't chase losses, don't play over our head, etc. These are all solid and good things, but the very nature of poker variance will lead to inevitable swings - some in which are nauseating. Risk averse people aren't familiar with these types of swings and I think a lot of grinders have real problems when in a downswing because they try to live their life safely. When bills are due, and you are in a downswing, bad thoughts keep you up at night.

Gambling, in its true sense, isn't in a grinders vocabulary. All bets are +EV and we all know and accept the long run meaning of that. But try telling that to a grinder in the midst of a soul crushing, never ending downswing.

So if you are like me, and hate uncertainty and risk, don't play poker full time. Get a job. It not only stabilizes your bankroll, it also stabilizes your life. You'll get up the same time every day, eat regularly, sleep regularly, and your mind will be much clearer. You have no idea how many times a week where I have no idea what day or time it is. Its not the greatest way to live. And with a job you can always supplement your income nicely as well with poker.

I got another video made from tonights session. Still working on trying to find a better way to share it. Till then, keep your stick on the ice.