The “Stop Loss Strategy” for Online Poker Players

We can never deny that poker is an addictive online casino game. Most online poker players often find themselves unwary of when to stop playing. In fact some gamblers who are in the peak of winning may want to continue their luck, but eventually, their winning streak may turns out to be a losing one. While players who are losing may want to continue playing to see if their luck turns around, which in most cases, leads to a bigger loss. Well it's a good thing that a “Stop Loss Strategy” was formulated.

The Stop Loss strategy is a method which players can use to determine when to walk away from the game. The purpose of this strategy is simple: Since it is based on a specific money value, it will preset an amount that tells the player when to stop playing for the day. In short you know that when you have lost this much money you will stop playing. For example, if you choose $500 as your Stop Loss value, then you will quit when you have sustained a loss of $500.

By using this method, you can take advantage of your winning streaks while not letting yourself suffer too many damages from a huge losing streak. You can as well avoid tilting large portions of your bankroll and stop playing at a defined point. The Stop Loss strategy is often used for financial reasons only, but once a poker player gets use to walking away after loosing, he will likely improve his attitude towards playing. Furthermore, this strategy allows you to play longer sessions when you are winning and shorter sessions when you are losing.

Provided above are the benefits of the Stop Loss Strategy, but what about the downsides of it? Some players say that with this method, they may be forced to walk away just before the game turns to their favor which ends up profiting less. While others believe that they can use a stop loss strategy as a temporary "patch" on their game. Take note that a stop loss is not a cure for tilt.

So how does a player sets a Stop Loss number? Well this vary according to the individual, but be sure to set a stop loss number that is reasonable. In a $3 and $5 blind no limit hold'em game in which players will be buying in for a minimum of $200, a $200 stop loss does not make that much sense. On the other hand, a $1,000 stop loss in a $1/$2 fixed limit seven-card stud game is a bit superfluous.

A serious poker player should be aware of his strategies as a gambler. Sometimes cutting your losses is the best thing that you can do in order to become a good poker player. Take advantage in using the Stop Loss method and watch your bankroll increase.