Time for a Break

'Dear Geno,' a member writes. 'I enjoy the advice you give in your column. I have a particular situation that has me pretty well perplexed and I hope you can help. We have a casino about 20 miles from where I live and they play a mixed game of Texas Hold'Em and seven-card stud high-low.

'It's a $6-12 game with a $60 buy-in. When I started playing the game, I did pretty well. I held my own with the other players sometimes winning, and sometimes losing, but I enjoyed the action. Well, in the past couple of months, all that has changed. I have been on a losing streak that just won't seem to quit. The game is no longer fun and I actually dread sitting down against the other players because I know they're going to take all my money. What do you suggest I do?'

The letter writer's name is Joe. If his question wasn't so serious, it would be laughable. Here is the way I would approach Joe's problem.

Hit the road, Jack. That game doesn't need you and you certainly do not need that game.

Poker players give off certain tells after they have played poker a certain amount of time. And let's face it. Some players are simply better at the game than others.

Joe, bless his heart, doesn't have a chance against the players in this particular game.

Without watching him in action, I have no idea what he is doing wrong, but whatever it is, it isn't going to get any better. So, Joe, my advice is for you to find another game.

I had a similar situation exist for me recently. Although the casino where I play spreads a lot of games, there was one that I especially enjoyed because of the action and the big pots. Like Joe, I did well at the game at first. I won so regularly that it was like I had my own personal ATM machine. All I had to do was show up and the money would soon revert to me.

Well, all roads eventually come to an end. In this case, the game was invaded by a clique of players that began dominating the action. And slowly but surely, my chips began going to them. No matter what I did, I couldn't seem to win.

My heritage is Italian and Russian. That makes me pretty stubborn. I didn't give up easily, but I finally got to the point where I tipped my Stetson and said, 'See you gents,' and headed for the door.

I may be tempted one of these days to return to that game. It's bigger than ever. But until my game and confidence improve, it's time for a break. I took my action elsewhere, and Joe should do the same.

Author: Geno Lawrenzi Jr.

(Geno Lawrenzi Jr. is an international journalist, magazine author and ghostwriter and poker player who lives in Phoenx, AZ. He has published 2,000 articles in 50 magazines and 125 newspapers. If you want to share a gambling story or book idea with him, send an email to glawrenzi@gmail.com ).