Testing Chips theory

I remember an interview with the late Chip Reese where he described two of the biggest leaks that he sees in amateur players. Those are:
- banking a win when you're running good and;
- playing too long when you're stuck and trying to get even.

According to Chip, it should be the other way around. When you're stuck, just accept a loss and come back tomorrow. You should also consider the real possibility that you don't have the edge at this particular table that you think you have, and may in fact be the spot.

On the flip-side, is banking a win too early. He mentioned that when you're running good and you have a table with plenty of soft spots, you should stay however long it takes for the table to eventually break. These occasions can be rare and should be milked for every dollar possible.

The other night I was playing Omaha and i had two maniacs playing deep and donating to the table. After winning a few buyins and some hours later, it appeared they were going nowhere. Yet the clock approached midnight and i had to work the next day. As i reluctantly closed down the table (to the joy of the many waiting for a seat) i think i almost heard Chip's sigh.

The long term vision, or perhaps the tiny spot of light at the end of the tunnel - is being able to make a living from this hobby. I'm well aware that "its hard way to make an easy living" and it can be mental torture at times, but i do feel with each year I get more balanced and immune to the fluctuations.

And on that day, I'll be staying at a sweet, sweet table until it eventually breaks.




FG