Navigating the inevitable swings in poker is one of the biggest challenges especially for aspiring players. Experiencing repeated setbacks or swings despite making the right moves feels so stressing that many players eventually throw up their hands in frustration. This all happens because of variance, a factor that can make or break a player’s success. Understanding and managing variance is key for long-term success and making sure that luck does not overshadow skill.
In this article, we will discuss variance in Poker and 5 tips to deal with it.
What is Variance in Poker?
In poker, variance means the natural ups and downs in short-term results caused by luck. These fluctuations can lead to periods of winning and loss regardless of a player’s skill level. For instance, a player might receive a top pair like pocket aces, typically winning a hand. But they could still lose if their opponents got lucky with better cards on the flop, turn, and river.
ALSO READ: How To Play Kings Pre-Flop, Flop and Post-Flop
In simple words, Variance in Poker means that what you expect to win and what you actually win can be quite different over a short period. If there’s a lot of variance, the gap between these two outcomes is wide. But if there’s less variance, they’re closer together.
7 tips to deal with variance in poker
1 – Focus on the long term, not short term
Variance is a very normal aspect of poker, while it’s hard not to feel frustrated or disheartened when experiencing loss in poker. But, it’s crucial to stay focused on making good decisions and playing smart poker.
In poker, anyone can participate and experience victories, but skilled players will triumph in the long term. Phil Hellmuth and Phil Ivey are the best examples of long-term focus.
2 – Build a strong bankroll and manage it well
Did it ever click with you? How is Daniel Negreanu able to play with so much loss? He is able to do that because he has built a strong bankroll over the years. Building a substantial bankroll will allow you to concentrate on the game rather than thinking about loss.
3 – Stay disciplined
When facing variance, players make impulsive decisions or play recklessly. However, this often leads to further setbacks. Being disciplined is the only thing you can do in situations like this.
4 – Take Breaks
While facing variance, it can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. It is advisable to take regular breaks to stay sharp, to make better decisions, and to avoid burnout.
5 – Play Tighter Hands
Rather than playing every hand you have, you should choose only the best hand. It’s not easy to hit a pair on the flop, and if you continue calling the bet pre-flop, it can result in chip loss.
6 – Work on Your Game Off the Tables
Poker is easy to learn but hard to master. Learning and improving your poker skills isn’t limited to playing. Study, analyze, and review your play to identify weaknesses and refine your game.
7 – Do Not Check Your Balance Regularly
Do not check your balance on a regular basis as it can be detrimental to your game. Focus on making the right decisions instead of being distracted or obsessed by short-term results.
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