Need advice - getting coolered makes me sickening

[Nol@]

Hello, I usually play tight across multiple tables and have noticed something strange with my play.
I get all my money in on the turn, I'm way ahead, and my opponent has just one out. When I win, I don't feel much—it’s more than a 90% chance to win, after all. But when I lose such hands, I feel absolutely sick. I get all my money in as a huge favorite, and they hit their outs on the turn and river. It feels awful, like I want to throw up and my head spins.
The negative emotions are very strong, I feel physically sick while positive ones from winning, if they even happen, aren't nearly as intense. Is this normal? Is there any way to deal with this? I'm looking for some advice.

 

[slotape]

Hello, I usually play tight across multiple tables and have noticed something strange with my play.
I get all my money in on the turn, I'm way ahead, and my opponent has just one out. When I win, I don't feel much—it’s more than a 90% chance to win, after all. But when I lose such hands, I feel absolutely sick. I get all my money in as a huge favorite, and they hit their outs on the turn and river. It feels awful, like I want to throw up and my head spins.
The negative emotions are very strong, I feel physically sick while positive ones from winning, if they even happen, aren't nearly as intense. Is this normal? Is there any way to deal with this? I'm looking for some advice.

getting coolered can be really frustrating, but if you're aware that it's bound to happen and you're not taking unnecessary risks, it shouldn't bother you too much.

 

[yanharper]

It seems like you're playing at a higher level than you're comfortable with. Try to think of it this way: It's not about money, it's about chips. Chips are just tools in the game of poker. Don't get too attached to them emotionally. Hope that helps.

 

[applepineapplepen]

Look, when you win a pot with less than 100% chance of winning, you actually win more than expected. I'll explain
For instance, last week I went all-in with AA against KK, making a pot. With an 80% chance of winning, I should only win the majority, and a portion should go to my opponent. But usually, I end up winning the whole pot while my opponent gets nothing.
So, when my aces got beaten last week, I wasn't upset about losing due to bad luck. I saw it as paying back the extra I won from my opponents when my aces held up. It's like paying taxes!

 

[poker@ff@ir]

Look, when you win a pot with less than 100% chance of winning, you actually win more than expected. I'll explain
For instance, last week I went all-in with AA against KK, making a pot. With an 80% chance of winning, I should only win the majority, and a portion should go to my opponent. But usually, I end up winning the whole pot while my opponent gets nothing.
So, when my aces got beaten last week, I wasn't upset about losing due to bad luck. I saw it as paying back the extra I won from my opponents when my aces held up. It's like paying taxes!

That's a great way to put it. I'll use this to explain to my friends who can't stand those.

 

[poker@ff@ir]

Hello, I usually play tight across multiple tables and have noticed something strange with my play.
I get all my money in on the turn, I'm way ahead, and my opponent has just one out. When I win, I don't feel much—it’s more than a 90% chance to win, after all. But when I lose such hands, I feel absolutely sick. I get all my money in as a huge favorite, and they hit their outs on the turn and river. It feels awful, like I want to throw up and my head spins.
The negative emotions are very strong, I feel physically sick while positive ones from winning, if they even happen, aren't nearly as intense. Is this normal? Is there any way to deal with this? I'm looking for some advice.

This is a psychological issue known as “prospect theory,” and it’s something most people have because of our biology. The theory suggests that losing feels worse than winning feels good. There are good evolutionary reasons for this, but learning about the psychology behind it might help you. People experience this to different degrees, and it sounds like you feel it more strongly than others.

 

[DallasHoldEm]

Hello, I usually play tight across multiple tables and have noticed something strange with my play.
I get all my money in on the turn, I'm way ahead, and my opponent has just one out. When I win, I don't feel much—it’s more than a 90% chance to win, after all. But when I lose such hands, I feel absolutely sick. I get all my money in as a huge favorite, and they hit their outs on the turn and river. It feels awful, like I want to throw up and my head spins.
The negative emotions are very strong, I feel physically sick while positive ones from winning, if they even happen, aren't nearly as intense. Is this normal? Is there any way to deal with this? I'm looking for some advice.

I highly recommend reading "The Mental Game of Poker" by Jared Tendler. It's a fantastic book that deepens into the psychological aspects of poker playing. Tendler offers valuable insights into managing tilt, improving focus, and maintaining a strong mindset at the tables. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this book can significantly enhance your game and overall enjoyment of poker.

 

[dehoso]

getting coolered can be really frustrating, but if you're aware that it's bound to happen and you're not taking unnecessary risks, it shouldn't bother you too much.

Exactly! Getting coolered is like getting caught in a sudden rainstorm—it's annoying, but as long as you've got your umbrella (and your wits about you), you'll weather through just fine!

 

[Nol@]

Look, when you win a pot with less than 100% chance of winning, you actually win more than expected. I'll explain
For instance, last week I went all-in with AA against KK, making a pot. With an 80% chance of winning, I should only win the majority, and a portion should go to my opponent. But usually, I end up winning the whole pot while my opponent gets nothing.
So, when my aces got beaten last week, I wasn't upset about losing due to bad luck. I saw it as paying back the extra I won from my opponents when my aces held up. It's like paying taxes!

this is such a great framing lol
thanks

 

[Nol@]

I highly recommend reading "The Mental Game of Poker" by Jared Tendler. It's a fantastic book that deepens into the psychological aspects of poker playing. Tendler offers valuable insights into managing tilt, improving focus, and maintaining a strong mindset at the tables. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this book can significantly enhance your game and overall enjoyment of poker.

thanks for the tip, i'll take a look sure

 

[xavier69]

Hello, I usually play tight across multiple tables and have noticed something strange with my play.
I get all my money in on the turn, I'm way ahead, and my opponent has just one out. When I win, I don't feel much—it’s more than a 90% chance to win, after all. But when I lose such hands, I feel absolutely sick. I get all my money in as a huge favorite, and they hit their outs on the turn and river. It feels awful, like I want to throw up and my head spins.
The negative emotions are very strong, I feel physically sick while positive ones from winning, if they even happen, aren't nearly as intense. Is this normal? Is there any way to deal with this? I'm looking for some advice.

first of all accept the nature of the game, poker is a game of skill and strategy, but it also involves a significant amount of luck. even when you’re a huge favorite, there’s always a chance that you can lose. It’s important to accept this as part of the game. second is emotional control. try to rely on decisions based on the information you have at the time, and detach your emotions from the results if something goes wrong. third take a break if loss affected your behavior. poker is for coolheaded people. and finally bankroll management - try playing only with money you can afford to lose.
Remember, even the best players in the world can't win every hand. What sets the great players apart is their ability to handle losses and stick to their strategy, even when things don't go their way. Good luck!

 

[pawpow131]

Look, when you win a pot with less than 100% chance of winning, you actually win more than expected. I'll explain
For instance, last week I went all-in with AA against KK, making a pot. With an 80% chance of winning, I should only win the majority, and a portion should go to my opponent. But usually, I end up winning the whole pot while my opponent gets nothing.
So, when my aces got beaten last week, I wasn't upset about losing due to bad luck. I saw it as paying back the extra I won from my opponents when my aces held up. It's like paying taxes!

Brilliant! I was introduced to this concept by the host of the Low Limit Cash Games podcast a few years ago. Maybe that's where you heard it too? It's a fantastic perspective on equity and the inevitability of having your premiums cracked.

 

[Nol@]

first of all accept the nature of the game, poker is a game of skill and strategy, but it also involves a significant amount of luck. even when you’re a huge favorite, there’s always a chance that you can lose. It’s important to accept this as part of the game. second is emotional control. try to rely on decisions based on the information you have at the time, and detach your emotions from the results if something goes wrong. third take a break if loss affected your behavior. poker is for coolheaded people. and finally bankroll management - try playing only with money you can afford to lose.
Remember, even the best players in the world can't win every hand. What sets the great players apart is their ability to handle losses and stick to their strategy, even when things don't go their way. Good luck!

Thanks for the poker tips! Embracing the chaos, keeping cool, pausing for tea, and not betting the farm - got it! Ah and even poker aces can’t always have a full house. I’ll keep your wisdom in my pocket… right next to my poker chips. Good luck, may your bluff always be believable!