OK so i think a big part of my problem that i do not know when to leave. for example the last 2 sessions i had. first session, i buy in for 200 run in to Aces, and loose my first 200 within 2 hands. so i buy in for another 150. so i get to about 950 like 4 hours later. so of course i think about leaving but with the way the table is going i think i can get more out of that session, well of course i'm wrong i end up loosing 250 get down to 700 and left. 2nd session next day i buy in 200 get up to about 650, think about leaving again do not and than again loose 300 cash out with 350. so i don't know if i just need to set a goal and say if i get up 400 on the session to leave or do i have to sit there and try and maximize the opportunity. just wondering what you guys do. thanks.

You're not supposed to convince yourself to leave when you are winning. If you feel you have an edge over the rest of the table you should continue to play as long as you feel you are playing your A game (or you just don't feel like playing). If you think your B or C game is better than what your opponents are, you can even play when you're tired. Stop wen you don't feel like playing or you're distracted in some way that will make you lose instead of winning. Then again if you suddenly realize you're somehow in a game with Ivey and Antonius and Negreanu and Esfandiari and you win a big pot, get the hell out of there. What I mean is that if you don't have an edge, or in this case are considerably worse that the players at your table you should leave if you win a big pot.

This is not roulette or craps or blackjack where you will lose in the long run, but this is poker and if you have an edge over the table DON'T leave when you are up just because you're scared you'll end you session losing. It's a losing strategy to leave when you win a big pot, but conversely stay playing when you're losing just to get back to break-even.

Myself I tend to rather leave when I'm badly losing. Most likely I'll be in some level of tilt and only waiting for the big pot, which will probably affect my playing and make me lose more. On the other hand when I'm winning I feel confident that I can win more and also able to concentrate because I feel good about myself. Yeah, I let my emotions affect my game way too much maybe thats why I still play in the micros

I actually think leaving when you're up is a huge leak that most people have. As a result, people tend to put in less hours when they're winning and more hours when they're losing. Often, winning in a session is a result of luck, but there are usually contributing factors, such as good attitude, rest, confidence, and in general playing your A game. Also, being up usually makes you feel better and be in a better mood.

On the contrary, when you're down, you're more likely to be playing your B game or worse. Tired, hungry, discouraged, distracted. Probably mad about losing and wanting to regain your losses.

If anything you should find a way to force yourself to leave when you're down.

Quit early and often.

+1

That post pretty much covers the topic IMO.

+1 to rusty. online phil ivey's success was partly attributed to his proficiency at playing longer sessions when he was winning and cutting sessions very short when things weren't going well (much to the frustration of his opponents). this is the opposite of how most people work and is usually a pretty positive habit within reason

People put such a great value on being >0, much greater than on it's actually worth, that people immediately become risk-averse when up and loss-averse when down, which is a leak. Just don't put such a great emphasis on being up or down in a given session.

its one big session anyway.

quit when you`re feeling tired, bored or you`re tilted. Otherwise keep playing.

its the age old arguement

My "leaving fuel gauge" is on empty when I'm losing my concentration edge. It just depends on how life has been treating me. I may sit and play just a few laps if I can't get in the game. Or play all night if i can stay relaxed.

This is all you have to remember. Analyze how that thinking (it's time to go) effects your play and get over that hump. It's in your head.

This is not for everyone, but I set a limit for the amount I will accept losing for that session. If I get there ( when I get there) I get up and quit for the day! I don't have a number to quit on if I am up. I don't think that is good policy! I quit if I am tired, or my buds or my ride is ready to leave. Or if I have something else to do besides poker. I never quit just because I have won and am afraid I might blow it! That's playing scared money! Fear is the mind killer!

People on the internet used to be able to spell this word correctly (though they've always had problems with "you're").

Goingbroke, if you flip a coin 3 times and it lands on tails each time, what is the chance it will land on heads on the fourth try.

My leaving or staying has nothing to do with how much money I'm up or down.

I leave when One of the following occur (all based on my personal data!):
I've exceeded my endurance/fatigue limit of 12 hrs
I've made 3 donk -EV plays (3 strikes and I'm out regardless if I won the pot or not)
I zone out and or fall asleep
I get upset/tilt
I talk poker theory at the table or correct someone's mistake
I forget my hand while in a hand
I become scared money and my vajay-Jay starts bleeding
If the table becomes shark infested and there is no easy money
When a player that causes me severe problems hits the table
I become agitated or emotional for ANY reason
I get bored and start watching tv instead of the action
I start worrying in the least about losing my stack...
I fall off my B-game ...

So as you can see, my staying or leaving has nothing to do with how much I've won or lost

If im tired, stressed or don't enjoy the game anymore im leaving. If i know im still able to make a profit (because im motivated) i wouldn't ever quit.