Running Cold

I've been running cold for the last couple of weeks.  It really doesn't matter how big of a favorite I am when I get my money in the pot I just get outdrawn.  I really don't think I'm doing anything wrong accept being extremely unlucky.

I know it's probably just a matter of time befoe I get my game on track, because consistantly making good plays will pay off. 

My question is What should I do during this period of time?

Should I play less?

Play smaller stakes?

Or just keep doing the same thing?

I've just been doing the same thing, but if feels like I'm just beating my head against the wall every time I get outdrawn.

In my opinion, I wouldnt change much. Maybe go down a level in stakes if the bankroll is taking a huge beating. But as long as you are playing good sound poker..the cold streak will end and hopefully you'll be out of the hole and back in it.

I disagree. If you are having bad sessions over a long period of time then I would change things. The best poker players are ones that are the most critical of their play.

I would first: Drop stakes... until you are winning consitently again.
Second: Analyse your game at every stage... 'Did I make the right move?'
Third: Do not extend your sessions for too long. Plan out ahead how long you want to be playing and stick with it. A lot of the time you can go wrong by playing for tooo long.

Bart

I have to agree with Bart3K.

Bad streaks happen and sometimes for a long stretch. I would do what Bart3K suggested and add on thing. 

Also analyse yourself.  If you are getting overly concerned about the bad streak and letting it possibly effect your game.  Take a break.  How long? Depends.  I have stopped for a couple days and once stopped for 2 weeks straight. (THAT was a terrible run  ). Stop as long as you need to get back in the game mentally. 

At the time I stated that I havn't changed up my game.  But I have noticed one thing, I don't think I've been near aggressive lately as I normally am. 

I have the mind set that I'm going to get outdrawn so I don't want to commit a lot of chips into the pot.  I don't how much it's affected my overall play, because i am getting outdrawn a lot.  I'm going to take a break and just play Omaha H/L for a while.  Hopefully when I get back to playing hold 'em the bad streak will be over and my confidence will be back.

That is why it is so important to drop your stakes. That way you can rebuild your confidence and make sure that the moves you always thought were the right ones are actually the right ones. I recently moved down stakes and it has worked a TREAT. Am ready to take on anyone! 

Hey Missedtheflop, I'm in the same situation last night. After missing the money for the 15th straight SNG, I finally decided to take a break for a couple weeks. I'm getting married this month anyway, so I should probably stop slacking and start helping. Hopefully when I come back to playing after the wedding, I'll have a fresh attitude and be ready to get back to winning.