Think about itâŚ
You get it in with 80% equity in a poker tournament. That means the other player has a 20% chance of winning. You win and double up.
A few orbits later, you flip AK vs. QQ and win. Then, an hour later, youâre in another 80/20 all-in.
80% x 50% x 80% = 32%
Thatâs the chance youâre still in after just those 3 scenarios. Even as a big favorite, youâre more likely to be out than still in!
Now imagine how many of these all-ins need to go your way to beat 85% of the field and cash. Imagine outlasting 99% of the field to final table.
The truth is:
Poker tournaments are designed so that even good players are supposed to lose most of the time. Bad beats, flips, and variance are inevitable. Thatâs why so much of the prize pool is reserved for the top spots. You just have to hit those top spots very occasionally to make up for all the bad beats and losses that came before it.
If good players won too consistently, the game wouldnât exist. Variance keeps longterm losing players coming back since it gives them a few wins here and there on occasionâand this setup and variance is your opportunity to have an edge over those who still don't get it.
By focusing on bad beats or flips you lost, youâre wasting energy.
Instead, accept that youâll bust 90-99% of tournaments and focus on the few occasions when youâll run well enough to hit a big score that covers all your lossesâand then some.
What you can control:
- Maximize pots when youâre running good.
- Minimize losses when youâre running bad.
- Improve your cashing % from 15% to 20%.
- Take your final table % from 1% to 3%.
Those tiny edges compound over time.
Stop wasting your mental energy on whatâs out of your control. Accept the structure of the game you signed up for. Focus on strategy, mindset, and the odds over the long run.
Itâs not easy, but thatâs what separates the winners from the rest.
Stay sharp, stay focused, and trust the process.... đŻ
I can't take it anymore. I'm tired of playing near perfect poker, setting traps, getting in with the best hand (80% equity) and getting killed. It's been like this for the last couple years. I'm starting to really hate the game. I sit down to play and within minutes I leave.