Taking A Needed Break

[Footballguru 0]

Well i am 18(and a half!) now, and i started playing poker when i turned 16, soon after i discovered online poker. after losign my first deposit, i won, what was at the time, alot of money for me. this was due to greattt luck, i cant ever imagine how lucky i must have been to make 4 final tables in a week on PR 5$ tourneys lol. After seeing how much money could be made, i decided to try and improve. I read every poker/gamblign book at the library and soon extended to the retail bookstores; i bought 1 book, would read it and exchange it for another poker book. I did this for about 12-15 books.I joined forums, talked to people, etc...i like to think i improved my game. over the last couple of years i have played probably a dozen sites, at many different stakes, and every type of game. somehow, i have turned a good profit at online poker, probably due to mostly luck.however, now i am realizing it has taken over my life, and I am only 18. I have also been on a losing streak pretty bad the last month, cutting my current bankroll(i always withdrew after a big score) in about half .i just feel liek i need a break and i shouldnt be on the CPU so much at this age. i still plan to play often during the summer at an indian casino a couple hours away, and probably with my buddies, but I am going to try and not play online until i start college in the fall.no one here probably cares, but i just felt like writing it down, so noo need to flame. unless you want to.

[pbwl11 0]

I tried to stop playing live and online for a week once....Lasted two days before I got the withdrawl shakes and fired up the PC! Hope you have better luck than I did!

[Footballguru 0]

I tried to stop playing live and online for a week once....Lasted two days before I got the withdrawl shakes and fired up the PC! Hope you have better luck than I did!

yea i also think this will help me determine if i have a gambling problem. i really dont think i do, its just that i am in between jobs right now and have nothing much else to do. but i am starting a new job on sunday so that will help. but if i feel like i NEED to play, I may consider getting help.PS: thanks to everyone who posts in strategy forums, etc, for offering their advice.

[ROGUE06 0]

I am 18 also, started playing poker for money at 14. Taking a break may be the best thing for you now. I make sure I don't let poker consume too much of my life which also keeps my interest and craving for it high. I always go outside, play sports and hang out with friends as much as possible and never let poker be my #1 choice to spend my evening. Basically just keep your priorities in line and don't let time slip away by spending countless hours on the computer. Take a little break and come back and start playing once you are interested in it again.

[Footballguru 0]

I am 18 also, started playing poker for money at 14. Taking a break may be the best thing for you now. I make sure I don't let poker consume too much of my life which also keeps my interest and craving for it high. I always go outside, play sports and hang out with friends as much as possible and never let poker be my #1 choice to spend my evening. Basically just keep your priorities in line and don't let time slip away by spending countless hours on the computer. Take a little break and come back and start playing once you are interested in it again.

thanks for the solid advice. this is what my plan is. last friday night was the first time i spent a weekend night at home (neither working or with friends, vacation, etc. all) since i got my license, and i felt like **** by doing it. that is when i first considered stopping. and this losing streak has made me finally stop.

[ROGUE06 0]

thanks for the solid advice. this is what my plan is. last friday night was the first time i spent a weekend night at home (neither working or with friends, vacation, etc. all) since i got my license, and i felt like **** by doing it. that is when i first considered stopping. and this losing streak has made me finally stop.

Oh and I forgot to mention, just cut out online poker. Live poker in your home games with your friends is always +EV to the self-esteem and bankroll. So don't cut out any live poker, play as much as your friends are willing to since it is fun entertainment and you will make some money in the process. Nothing is better than slowplaying one of my donk friends then razzing him later about taking his money.

[SweetDaddyFreak 0]

Wow reading this thread is like reading a biography on myself, Mr. FreakMy indian casino is an hour away and the greyhound track is 45 minutes away...problem is that its "Florida poker"

[alanstats 0]

I too am 18, I play a ton, and will be going to college in the fall. (University of Florida). I'm an outgoing guy, love sports, like to party, and I have been playing wayyy too much the last month. Perhaps because it is clicking and I am winning. Taking a break is definitely needed for me too. In 18 days I am embarking on a 1 month road trip and the only poker I play will be 2 days at the TS casino. I wish you luck man. Sad but it seems like being on a roadtrip with no computer is the only way not to play for me.

[ROGUE06 0]

I too am 18, I play a ton, and will be going to college in the fall. (University of Florida). I'm an outgoing guy, love sports, like to party, and I have been playing wayyy too much the last month. Perhaps because it is clicking and I am winning. Taking a break is definitely needed for me too. In 18 days I am embarking on a 1 month road trip and the only poker I play will be 2 days at the TS casino. I wish you luck man. Sad but it seems like being on a roadtrip with no computer is the only way not to play for me.

Sounds like fun, bunch of my friends were talking about doing the same thing this summer.

[ricker 0]

Wow...all these young kids...I feel like I'm at a disadvantage for starting to play pokr at the advanced age of 22....that's like ready for retirement age nowadays in the poker world it seems like.

[Footballguru 0]

didnt know so many fellow forum guys were my age. congrats on going to UF, im goign to mich st, very happy and looking forward to it.No month road trips, but i think chicago, toronto, and cedar point( a themepark in northern ohio) are in the near future for me.not playing online poker during summer=+EV. i hope.

[umop-apisdn 0]

You sound much more mature, and with alot more self-awareness, than most 18 year olds. Congratulations on realizing that you were spending an inordinate amount of time playing Poker - realize that it will always be there when you want to play it.It's going to sound completely cheese, but at 18 there's so much more to do than sit in front of a computer.... Leave that for when you're 30 and getting paid to sit in your cubicle and play on FCP.Take it from me - choices you make now in your life (pre-college) will make HUGE impacts later on... You might not believe it, but deciding to drop Poker, or at least spend your time doing something a little more constructive, will pay off dividends.Sounds like you're making the right choice - best of luck.

[Footballguru 0]

You sound much more mature, and with alot more self-awareness, than most 18 year olds. Congratulations on realizing that you were spending an inordinate amount of time playing Poker - realize that it will always be there when you want to play it.It's going to sound completely cheese, but at 18 there's so much more to do than sit in front of a computer.... Leave that for when you're 30 and getting paid to sit in your cubicle and play on FCP.Take it from me - choices you make now in your life (pre-college) will make HUGE impacts later on... You might not believe it, but deciding to drop Poker, or at least spend your time doing something a little more constructive, will pay off dividends.Sounds like you're making the right choice - best of luck.

thanks for the kind, supportive words

[tobytobey 0]

I have an inverted gambling problem, meaning I don't have enough time to play.Reading the inital post and responses makes me feel old at 32. Between a real job and 2 kids, I am lucky to book 5-6 hours of poker a week.But, it's always useful to take a step back and get perspective on the activities in your life. Good luck.

[GABMAD 0]

After reading this, I also realized i might have a gambling problem. I'm 17 and started playing at 16 for real money and turned 5 dollars (my initial bankroll) into 9k (this is all in canadian dollars btw) of which i have 7.8 k left, but I definetly don't hang out with my friends as much as I used to. A break seems like a great idea but the thing is i said that so many times b4 and never did it. The only difference between me and you, is that I'm going to play professionaly. I want to retire by 30 and the only way I see that hapenning is poker. It's just that on weekdays, there really isn't anything better to do than to play 100 Hu every hour in between watching TV. Some advice that i'm also going to try to implement for myself is don't have huge sessions without breaks. What I do is I play 3 HU games then take a couple hour break, go play frisbee or watch TV, or w.e, but it improves my game a lot, and helps get my focus back as well as make me more motivated because I know I'm playing 3 games, and I really want leave the COMP and knowing that I won 200 or 300 rather than losing or breaking even. Breaks make me more profitable. Another thing you might want to check out to boost your profitablity is www.sharkscope.com and get a membership, it's only 14 $ a month but definently makes you more. Since I started using that website 3 weeks ago, I won 2.6 k U.S on p.s. which is a huge chunk of my BR. that website is really worth it. (it's a sit and go website, so if sit and go's aren't your main priority, you might not profit from it as much) It tells you different stats and shows you graphs and stuff. It's good stuff..gl with your break...wish me luck with mine too, I'm going to try to take one too. Not a month one like some of you guys are planning but like 3 days or so.

[mellinac 0]

Hey Guru,I think you are on the right track taking a break from poker. I will say this though: Keep your live play sharp! When you get to school, there will be poker everywhere. It's a good chance to make friends, and keep some extra cash in your wallet. I'd say keep three games going at a time...Keep a fun game going with your friends, one easy game to turn a profit in, and play a game occasionally that challenges you, so that you can get better. Now I'm not saying play every day...but you can play often enough to have a good time, make some friends, and turn a profit. keep this in mind though...YOU ARE IN SCHOOL TO GET AN EDUCATION!To many people forget this freshman year, and pay for it.Good luck in school!Mell age 23...

[ROGUE06 0]

Hey Guru,I think you are on the right track taking a break from poker. I will say this though: Keep your live play sharp! When you get to school, there will be poker everywhere. It's a good chance to make friends, and keep some extra cash in your wallet. I'd say keep three games going at a time...Keep a fun game going with your friends, one easy game to turn a profit in, and play a game occasionally that challenges you, so that you can get better. Now I'm not saying play every day...but you can play often enough to have a good time, make some friends, and turn a profit. keep this in mind though...YOU ARE IN SCHOOL TO GET AN EDUCATION!To many people forget this freshman year, and pay for it.Good luck in school!Mell age 23...

Good advice, that is basically my mindset for live play next year in college.

[Footballguru 0]

After reading this, I also realized i might have a gambling problem. I'm 17 and started playing at 16 for real money and turned 5 dollars (my initial bankroll) into 9k (this is all in canadian dollars btw) of which i have 7.8 k left, but I definetly don't hang out with my friends as much as I used to. A break seems like a great idea but the thing is i said that so many times b4 and never did it. The only difference between me and you, is that I'm going to play professionaly. I want to retire by 30 and the only way I see that hapenning is poker. It's just that on weekdays, there really isn't anything better to do than to play 100 Hu every hour in between watching TV. Some advice that i'm also going to try to implement for myself is don't have huge sessions without breaks. What I do is I play 3 HU games then take a couple hour break, go play frisbee or watch TV, or w.e, but it improves my game a lot, and helps get my focus back as well as make me more motivated because I know I'm playing 3 games, and I really want leave the COMP and knowing that I won 200 or 300 rather than losing or breaking even. Breaks make me more profitable. Another thing you might want to check out to boost your profitablity is www.sharkscope.com and get a membership, it's only 14 $ a month but definently makes you more. Since I started using that website 3 weeks ago, I won 2.6 k U.S on p.s. which is a huge chunk of my BR. that website is really worth it. (it's a sit and go website, so if sit and go's aren't your main priority, you might not profit from it as much) It tells you different stats and shows you graphs and stuff. It's good stuff..gl with your break...wish me luck with mine too, I'm going to try to take one too. Not a month one like some of you guys are planning but like 3 days or so.

hey there buddy,you may want to slow down a bit. at 17 you still have alot of options for the rest of your life. dont set your mind to only one profession, no matter what it is; poker, doctor, lawyer, fireman etc.also, even though i am only 18, i would still suggest you get an education.. Although your 8k may seem like alot to you, when living alone that only lasts a very short amount of time. You may be good enough to play proffesionally, but planning to retire whenyour 30 by playing poker is aiming high.just some advice...

[hotbacon 0]

This happened to me last fall (I'm 18 now). I was trying to make tons of money to buy stuff rather than play more or less at my leisure.And poker became really dull to me after a while, and I realized that I was spending way too much time on a computer. So I literally quit any poker whatsoever besides the occasional home game for 2 months.When I came back to it I gained a much better perspective on everything AND began enjoying poker more than I ever had.I've never really had any trouble balancing poker with my social life etc. since then.

[Footballguru 0]

Hey Guru,I think you are on the right track taking a break from poker. I will say this though: Keep your live play sharp! When you get to school, there will be poker everywhere. It's a good chance to make friends, and keep some extra cash in your wallet. I'd say keep three games going at a time...Keep a fun game going with your friends, one easy game to turn a profit in, and play a game occasionally that challenges you, so that you can get better. Now I'm not saying play every day...but you can play often enough to have a good time, make some friends, and turn a profit. keep this in mind though...YOU ARE IN SCHOOL TO GET AN EDUCATION!To many people forget this freshman year, and pay for it.Good luck in school!Mell age 23...

i assume your talking about next year when I am in college...i do plan to play both online and live...in class 12 hours a week, i dont plan on getting a real job, at least first semester while I "adapt" to life on campus. i have already found some people up at MSU that player, liek a 1/2 NL game every tues, etc...i beleive it will be a good way to make friends who share common interests...thanks for the great advice

This happened to me last fall (I'm 18 now). I was trying to make tons of money to buy stuff rather than play more or less at my leisure.And poker became really dull to me after a while, and I realized that I was spending way too much time on a computer. So I literally quit any poker whatsoever besides the occasional home game for 2 months.When I came back to it I gained a much better perspective on everything AND began enjoying poker more than I ever had.I've never really had any trouble balancing poker with my social life etc. since then.

this is what I hope my break will accomplish

[Footballguru 0]

yay, in my last MTT until the fall*Hopefully* i have made the money. 5R on PS NOW I just need to win it

[tallsocksguy 0]

Wow...can't believe what this world is coming to...to all of you "young guns" out there, take this advice...GO TO COLLEGE AND GET A REAL JOB!!!!!...I can't believe that there are still so many kids out there who think they can TP/MM...this is almost impossible these days...what you may not realize is that your short run gain will eventually turn into a long term problem because of the fact that you are playing poker at the sake of getting an education...yes it seems feasible now that you can make a living doing this, hell, I paid all of my bills (including rent and car) through college by playing cards as a means of making money (not to mention I had the roll to blow on expensive bullsh*t toys all the while and going out and partying like a rock star)...anyhoo, this all seems like it is a possibility to all of you, when it is in fact a manufactured pipe dream that ESPN has shoved down your throats...yes, 9K is a ton of money to you now, but how the hell are you going to support your family off of that kind of roll???...i think you are all jumping way ahead of yourselves here and need to get a sense of the real world...this is not the 1980's or early 90's where you can go rounding at all the different casinos and take fishes money...this is a new day and age of poker, one in which the chances of making it are equitable to being struck by lighting twice while winning the mega millions lottery...please do me and the rest of the country a favor and stay in school and get a meaningful job that will benefit not only you but the rest of us as well...don't become disillusioned by what you see on TV or what you read on the internet...play for the love of the game when you have time, but please don't go broke like the countless number of others out there trying to make a living from being a "professional poker player"...save your time, your money, and most importantly, your youth...

[Footballguru 0]

Wow...can't believe what this world is coming to...to all of you "young guns" out there, take this advice...GO TO COLLEGE AND GET A REAL JOB!!!!!...I can't believe that there are still so many kids out there who think they can TP/MM...this is almost impossible these days...what you may not realize is that your short run gain will eventually turn into a long term problem because of the fact that you are playing poker at the sake of getting an education...yes it seems feasible now that you can make a living doing this, hell, I paid all of my bills (including rent and car) through college by playing cards as a means of making money (not to mention I had the roll to blow on expensive bullsh*t toys all the while and going out and partying like a rock star)...anyhoo, this all seems like it is a possibility to all of you, when it is in fact a manufactured pipe dream that ESPN has shoved down your throats...yes, 9K is a ton of money to you now, but how the hell are you going to support your family off of that kind of roll???...i think you are all jumping way ahead of yourselves here and need to get a sense of the real world...this is not the 1980's or early 90's where you can go rounding at all the different casinos and take fishes money...this is a new day and age of poker, one in which the chances of making it are equitable to being struck by lighting twice while winning the mega millions lottery...please do me and the rest of the country a favor and stay in school and get a meaningful job that will benefit not only you but the rest of us as well...don't become disillusioned by what you see on TV or what you read on the internet...play for the love of the game when you have time, but please don't go broke like the countless number of others out there trying to make a living from being a "professional poker player"...save your time, your money, and most importantly, your youth...

great post by unfairly directed at multiple people within this post, when only one plans to TP/MM. the rest of us all seem pretty realistic

[alanstats 0]

Everything said makes tons of sense. Fortunately I have a real job 16 hours a week and keep that money seperate from my roll. I'm going to a great school on a full ride next year where I will undoubtedly continue playing cards. This thread is more or less about those of us who are young, like to do stuff beyond poker, but recently have been playing wayyy to much of it and want to take a break. With our last summer before college approaching we are here encouraging each other to enjoy it by not playing an inordinate amount of poker. Nonetheless, I appreciate your advice.

[Footballguru 0]

This thread is more or less about those of us who are young, like to do stuff beyond poker, but recently have been playing wayyy to much of it and want to take a break. With our last summer before college approaching we are here encouraging each other to enjoy it by not playing an inordinate amount of poker. Nonetheless, I appreciate your advice.

well said.