Or, You Could Just Quit When it Begins to Hurt

Hi. Come on in. It's a cool winter evening here in the Las Vegas valley. Let us go out on the patio and soak in the hot tub while sipping hot apple juice and musing over various aspects of our beloved game.



I haven't said anything about my Roy's Rules for many moons. For the thousands of new players to poker, there are many Roy's Rules, but only one has a number, and that, of course, is Roy's Rule No. 1: Play happy or don't play. All others are Roy's Rule No. 2.



I've drilled this rule into my students' heads for many years, and it always figures into my writings in some form. (That is to say, I'm something of a nut on the subject.) That rule really is my primary consideration when playing poker. I believe you would profit if it was also yours.



Those who are inexperienced in my teachings – draw close and listen up. Players and students who have been reading my work over the years know this important concept, and can skip on.



Players at times become angry. They might curse and mutter, and even throw cards. Their brains become scrambled and it's obvious they are in no condition to play a mental game like poker. Yet, they continue playing while their proficiency deteriorates. They think they are playing as well as ever. They are not!



You don't have to be telling jokes and singing, but you should be able to participate in the game with a pleasant attitude. Be aware that the condition "going on tilt" happens mostly when a player is losing. (Play happy or don't play.)


It is well-known among professional players that you can't play your best game when you're playing while upset. You don't have to be in a towering rage for your emotions to affect your play. Just being grumpy will do. When any of this happens to you, you should leave the game and get your head straight. With a peaceful mind, you will play better – and when you play better, you will win more, I promise. (Go in peace.)



Change of subject: Here's a poker question I've been asked too many times. "How much should I lose before getting out of a game?" There are no formulas here, but one of Roy's unnumbered rules relates to the first rule: Quit when it begins to hurt!



You see many losing players keep digging in their jeans for more money to buy more chips. For many of those players, there is an emotional pain involved with losing. They keep buying in because they want to be free of that emotional pain. Getting even, or winning, will stop the pain. So, they keep digging and buying until they are beyond being stuck – and they become buried. You can come back from being "stuck" – but when you allow yourself to get buried, you're generally beyond financial recovery for that session.



And wouldn't you just know that I have yet another Roy's Rule to cover that situation: You must be willing to get up from the table and take a loss when you are stuck – before you become buried to the point that it's going to take four or five winning sessions to recover what you've lost in that one session. Or, you could just quit when it begins to hurt!


At what point does it begin to hurt? That's strictly a personal matter, and it varies from player to player. What can you afford, financially and emotionally? Play happy, and quit when it begins to hurt – when you no longer are happy.



This is another good time to get away from the table for a few minutes to get your head on straight. That accomplished, you'll then want to answer these questions: How much is this game worth in winnings? Is it still a good game? Have I just been unlucky and taken some beats or am I being outplayed? Is this table too tough for me? (Be honest.) If it's still a good game in which you could get your money back if you get some cards and play them well, consider staying.



However, if you continue to be emotionally upset to the point that it's affecting your play, leave – quickly.



Change of subject: We were talking recently about bluffing, or rather, not bluffing, in lower-limit poker, hold'em or stud. Here's my final word on the subject for a while. Actually, this is about the other guy bluffing. Let him. Encourage him.



If you are heads up against a known bluffer when you hold a strong hand, and you suspect that the bluffer has a weak hand with which he won't call, don't bet. There is a poker adage that states, "Give the bluffers a chance to bluff." Check, and give him that opportunity. If he does bluff, you profit at least one bet by calling, and maybe two by raising – but only if he suspects that your raise is a bluff. A bluffer would suspect this, because of his own propensity to bluff.



That's enough soaking, sipping, and musing. It's time for me to dry off and get some sleep. Take the rest of the cider and kill the light on your way out.



Roy West, best-selling poker author, continues giving his successful poker lessons in Las Vegas for both tourists and locals. Roy's toll-free number is 800-548-6177 ext. 03. In Las Vegas call 873-7574.