Poker is a tough game that requires mental grit. It also is a game of chance and, as a result, players will lose money from time to time.

The most successful players understand how to take bad beats and never get angry or tilted. It’s a skill that is important to develop, as it helps you deal with losses without being swept away by them.

Bankroll Management

Poor bankroll management is the number one reason why most seasoned players (gamblers) go broke. The best way to avoid this is by adhering to strict bankroll management.

Variance

Whenever you win big at the table, it should feel like a gift, but sometimes it doesn’t work out so well. You may have an excellent hand on the flop, but it’s beaten by someone with a weak hand on the turn or river.

When this happens, it can leave you feeling a little down. You might even start to worry about your game.

Your chips are vanishing and the mopes across the table are winning hands. You’re playing sound poker and betting big hands, but you can’t seem to stay ahead of the guys in front of you.

Junky Pots

It’s not unusual for a poker player to hit a junky hand on the flop. This is usually a low card that can kick-out another player’s high-card or pair, provoking them into making aggressive bets and raises.

This can unhinge a player and cause them to play more aggressively, losing much bigger pots with junky hands. The key is to recognize these chinks in the armor and focus on them while still taking advantage of opportunities elsewhere at the table.