So I'm in the middle of a downswing where I am getting it in good, but my bankroll is taking a hit. My question is what do you all do to combat the mental challenges of variance?
To give you a little background I am a fairly balanced $1/2 player. I recognize I have leaks, but I do consistently get better. Because I still play at the lower stakes the normal mix at the table is 1-2 solid players, 4 mediocre players, and the remaining mix of OMC to casual weekend warriors.
I consider myself a smart, level 3 thinker, making appropriate moves with good starting ranges based on position, players and image.
To give you an idea of how a typical session has been going lately, here are some of tonight's hands:
Effective stacks $500.
Hero (SB) AA
Villain (late 50's MAWG, level 2) (UTG) KK
Preflop - Villain raise $12 4 call, hero raise to $55, villain shoves, fold to hero, hero calls.
Flop xxK...
Rebuy $300.
Villain (late 50's South european, LAG) (SB) J
9
Hero (BTN) J
T
Preflop MP raise $12, 2 call, hero flats, SB and BB complete. Pot $72.
Flop 8
9
Q
Villain bets $50, folds to hero, hero raises $125, villain shoves, hero calls.
Turn T
.
Rvr x. Chop.
Villain (Early 50 MAWG, level 2, loose passive) (HiJ) 6
9
Hero (CO) Q
T
Preflop 3 limp, hero raise $12, 3 call. Pot $51.
Flop Q
T
3
Villain bets $50, hero raise $125, villain shoves $250, hero calls.
Turn 4
, river x.
The examples are just to show that I am getting the money in the pot when I have the best of it. And yes, I understand one session is a small sample (these were just used as examples from tonight). The scenario of getting it in good and getting the worst of it has been playing out over many sessions, to the point where my bankroll is very small.
I'm not playing with scared money, but I am frustrated with playing better than those at the table and not winning.
So, what do you do when variance is kicking you in the nuts?