What Does Running Bad Mean in Poker?
Running bad refers to a prolonged period of consistently poor results in poker, characterized by losing hands despite making strong plays, often attributed to bad luck rather than skill. For those who play poker online or live, recognizing and managing this phase is crucial.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Running Bad:
Players often mention running bad during conversations when they are experiencing a series of unfortunate outcomes, such as repeatedly encountering stronger hands or failing to hit draws over extended sessions.
In-Game Example:
Imagine you’re playing a cash game and over several hours, you consistently lose with strong hands like pocket aces and kings against unlikely draws or lower pairs that improve by the river.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Maintain composure and stick to solid poker fundamentals. Variance is a part of the game, and staying disciplined is crucial.
- Common Mistake: Chasing losses by playing more aggressively or recklessly, which can exacerbate the situation.
- Pro Tips: Focus on making the correct decisions rather than the outcomes. Analyze your play to ensure you’re not tilting or deviating from your strategy.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Online play may lead to faster hands and more frequent swings, while live play allows for more reads and adjustments based on physical tells.
Alternative Names:
“Running cold,” “Downswing,” “In a slump.”
FAQs:
Q: How do I know if I’m running bad or playing poorly?
A: Review your hand histories and decision-making processes. If you’re consistently making the right plays but losing, it’s likely a result of running bad. Conversely, if your decisions are questionable, it might be an issue with your strategy.
