Bug's Poker Tip #39

Poker Scores Ain't Like Football Scores

I got this one from a really old David Sklansky training video. It's kind of obvious, but important nonetheless. Here's the idea: In football, it doesn't matter if you lose 30-28 or 30-0, you still lose the game, period. The actual score doesn't matter the next day or the next week. In poker, the score at the end of a session does matter. This is because in poker the "score" is cumulative to your bankroll. Poker is best thought of as one long session that continues for years. If you go on tilt in even one session and dump off a lot of money, you will hurt your overall bottom line for the year. It's like starting the next session in the hole. You don't want to spot the other side a handful of touchdowns before the kick-off, right? You need the discipline to a) recognize tilt as it's coming on; and b) leave the table before the other side runs the score up on you. Just punt and go for a walk. Your bankroll at the end of the year will thank you.

All-in for now...

-Bug