Tribune Media Services
Published Sunday, Jun. 03, 2012
 
Scott,
 
I've been playing poker for a long time, but I often take extended breaks from the game for a variety of reasons. Sometimes I take a break after an extended period of losing, but sometimes after an extended period of winning, I'll take a break to spend more time with my family. I've learned how important a good balance is for my life.
 
.. My question is, what should I do to knock off the "rusty" feeling I get each time I return to the game? It generally takes me at least three sessions to get back in the groove. Can you suggest anything that might speed up that process?
 
- Glenn, Hawaii
 
 
Dear Glenn,
 
Well, I can't recall taking any extremely long breaks - maybe two weeks at most. Admittedly, I have pretty much zero balance in my life, but changing this has been a goal of mine for years, and I realize how important balance is.
 
However, I also get that rusty feeling even after just a week or so away from poker, so I can relate. Let me share some of the steps that I try to follow to awaken my poker mind.
 
First, after any lengthy break, I always drop down a few limits from my normal comfort level, whether it's cash or tournament play. I also try to restart my people-watching skills. I begin as a mere spectator, which allows me to pick up my physical-tell-reading abilities.
 
Moving down in limits is a great way to restore my confidence while I face less experienced players. It affords me the opportunity to open up my game and play more aggressively than I might normally play. Doing that counteracts what I consider to be my most common mistake when I'm rusty; Ie. playing too passively.
 
When I'm not playing my "A" game, I lack the confidence to aggressively pull the trigger in crucial situations. This happens when my feel for the game has dwindled or when I'm not totally focused. Missing or skipping out on a play that you would make a large percentage of the time is just as costly as misplaying a hand.
 
Passive mistakes are unforgivable in my book. Making an aggressive "mistake" gives you multiple ways to win despite your potential error. When you apply, pressure, you can win if your opponents fold, of if they call you with a worse hand. Even when they call you with a better hand, you still may have outs. With passivity, there's no chance of winning.
 
Other players may take different approaches to getting back into the swing of things, but easing back in and starting off by observing is what I have found to work best. Just keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to get completely refocused and regain the highest level of confidence in your abilities. {fini}