Let's continue our series of psychological articles. I think every poker player has at least once encountered such a phenomenon as downswing. It is good if it passes quickly and does not leave a serious mark on the bankroll and psyche. But there are times when the streak of failure becomes a lingering part of life. For someone, it can last a year, for someone, two. The question arises: what to do with it, how not to break under pressure and not to leave poker?
Downswing (from English downstreak, also downswing) in poker is a series of unsuccessful events and lost banks that accompanies the player at a distance the long run.
But let's look at it from a different angle. A lingering downswing isn't just bad luck. This is a kind of examination for professional suitability, a test of mental stability and the player's readiness to move to a new level. And there's only one way to get through it: face-to-face.
How to treat a downstreak
- Downswing ≠ you. Your results at the tables do not determine your value as a person and a player. In poker, variance is inevitable, and every professional faces this stage.
- The illusion of control. We live in a world where it seems like you can control everything. But the downswing is not subject to your will. There is no place for the questions "why do I need this?" and "when will it end?". Control only what really depends on you — your decisions at the table, the organization of the game, work on mistakes.
- Emotions under control. Lack of work with yourself during the downstreet leads to an emotional snowball and tilt.
And Tilt means new losses. Learn to live emotions in the moment, but at the same time always separate yourself and the very fact of the downstreet. - False norm. When a series of failures lasts a long time, the brain begins to perceive it as a habitual state. Victory seems like a strange anomaly. This distorts the perception of reality and affects decisions. We need to consciously change this focus.
What helps you stay afloat
- Separate personality and play.
Before the session, set yourself up: “For the next N hours, I am a decision machine. My job is to make the right moves. The result of the session does not determine my value. ” - Change the focus of attention.
The mistake of many players is to live for the idea of “playing downswing”. This only increases the pressure. Set specific tasks: play a session without a tilt, analyze hands, improve discipline. - Micro-goals:
Divide a big road into small steps. This way, the game will no longer be perceived as an endless series of defeats. - Bankroll and limits.
downswing is psychologically harder if you play for the last money. Review the limits and attitude of bankroll management so as to remove unnecessary anxiety. - Ritual to end the day.
After the game — walk, sport, shower or meditation. It is important to turn off and leave emotions outside the table. No analysis "on the pillow" or at dinner. - Breaks and reboot.
Plan your rest clearly. For example: 3 days of pause, 2 days of analysis without a game, and then return to the tables. - A diary of good decisions.
Write down what you did right. Even if the hand ended in defeat, the very fact of a competent decision is your height. Such a diary helps to maintain confidence and see progress.
Community & Support
Passing the downswing alone is a mistake. Loneliness increases burnout, and community support is important in poker. If it is not enough, you should contact a psychologist or trainer.
Summary
Downswing is unpleasant, painful and tiring. But it's also your personal growth zone. You have a choice: break or go through it and come out stronger.
Focus on the process, on the right decisions, on what you can really control. Take care of your body and mind as the main tool of the game. Discipline, analysis and resilience today is an investment not only in completing the downstreak, but also in your long-term career in poker. If you do not have enough resources, come for an individual consultation. We will analyze your personal history and find a way to go through this stage together.
