Thinking about a 3-month break - bad idea?
Hi everyone.
Right, so here's the situation. I'm 22, been playing tournaments for a while now, working with a coach, doing everything properly according to strategy. But the last few months have been absolutely brutal - one bad beat after another. I get it, variance and all that, but bloody hell, it's genuinely started messing with my head.
I've noticed I've started making mistakes purely based on emotions. Like, I know how I should be playing, but I'm doing something different because I'm tilted or just mentally burnt out. So now I'm thinking - maybe I need to take a properly long break? Not a week or two, but 2-3 months, maybe even longer. But what worries me is - will you lose your skill during that time? Will it be even worse when you come back? On one hand, I feel like if I keep playing in this state, I'll just be punting off money. On the other - I'm afraid if I stop now, it'll be even harder to come back.
For those who've deliberately taken a long break - how did it affect your game afterwards?
Cheers for any experience you can share.
Sometimes all you need is a good nights sleep to be able to refocus and get back in the game.
Breaks are a vital part of the game. It’s important not to get stuck on the losses..after all, every setback is just a lesson that makes you a stronger player in the long run. Take that time off to reset your mindset. You'll come back sharper!
I hope so. Thank you.
Hi, break for 2-3 month it’s a good idea, At this time, it's better to train with a coach or consider joining a poker fund. How many tournaments did you play per month? And how many hands did you review with your coach?
Breaks are good. I just come off a two day break myself. Your mind will tell you when its time to get back to it, so 2 hours - 2 days - 2 months whatever it takes. No you won't lose your skillset but you might fall back on some old leaks if time away is significant. However its likely you notice such and adjust quickly. Maybe a drop in levels will do you good. That's what I did for my new venture back into poker. Currently I play high volume freebuys and micro sats. Variance is high but cost is low with the upside far outweighing the downside. Good luck on your journey - don't let the beats get to you.
Thank you, and good luck to you too!
I`d say definitely take a break and shake off some tilt but I`m far from a pro, you're young and getting back into your stride after a couple of months shouldn`t be that much of a problem, if anything it might improve your game. I often take a few weeks to a month off the game and I always seem to play better after a break. .. Its switching to frequently between NLH/PLO, being over tired and too much beer that usually messes me up. 🫨
Deffo take a break & come back whenever you feel you want to - the game has evolved a bit in the last 20 years with peoples knowledge of the game increasing but its still the same game essentially and wont be different when you come back after a break. Being balanced in poker is one of the most important parts for me keeping my love of the game. that means balancing out the time i spend playing poker with everything else life has to offer. You are YOUNG - dont waste your twenties playing loads of poker and essentially becoming a gambling addict. I skateboarded for most of my teens and twenties the best use of time i could ever imagine for myself. If anything starts messing with your head its often time to take a step back and have a think. Good luck with your future and your future game . peace
Very reasonable. Thank you for your feedback. peace!
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