“You wouldn’t even know what a streak is!”
That’s the line Jack Lemmon said to Kevin Spacey with utter contempt as he berated him in the brilliant film Glengarry Glenross. (If you haven’t seen it yet I can’t recommend it highly enough.)
I’ve noticed that poker results seem to run in streaks too. This week German pro Marvin Rettenmaier became the first player ever to win back-to-back WPT events. He won the $25,000 WPT championship in Las Vegas for $1.1 million and then last week he took down the $4400 Cyprus classic for $288,000. He did it the hard way in Cyprus as well – running KK into AA with 11 players left and being down to just 8 big blinds before making the comeback.
What is it about streaks though? They definitely do happen but is just normal statistics at play or is there something more to it? Whoever comes up with the best explanation in the comments section will win this week’s prize. Answer this week’s poll and leave your comments with your Twitter username to be in with a chance of winning a €19.80 Irish Winter Festival token.
Congratulations to djronburgandy (@djdoc2001 on Twitter) for winning last week’s poll
@ConHarkinz
@larfyfe
I believe good performances come in streaks due to the following three factors….
1. Good state of mind, ie…consistent and methodical decision making (50%)
2. Patience (30%)
3. Luck (20%)
@tomasglynn
a “hot streak” is just a state of mind
thepirat1
Yes, there absolutely is! Easy to see why as well – ‘positive feedback loop’ is created when one is winning / performing well at anything. Each success adds to the cumulative positive effect of the previous victories/successes, the consequence being a boost in the player/performer’s confidence.
In poker, moreso most other sports, this confidence can have a massive impact on the quality of performance. Belief in one’s ability and playing style allows players to make moves (big calls / big folds /more aggro play, whatever) that they otherwise would refrain from making.
So, all you need is one big score and you’re on easy street!
@PrinceofPencils
Yes. I believe there is as well. Because when your on a heater, even the most horrific beats dont rerail you.
Positive Mental Attitude has a lot to do with it. Being on a heater creates ability to feel Powerful. After hitting a big score, you know what it takes to get you there. You Know that if you have done it once, no reason why you can’t repeat the success.You can stay cool under immense pressure and even begin to love yourself.
My first win a few months ago was $12400 after previously being $109 and have continued to have unparrelled success since.
@chopos180
@Paul_Romain
@pauldoc9
it is just coincidence…imo.i dont think theres an explanation for a lucky streak.@pcbunter
sometimes you get those runs and keep on hitting, flip after flip.. @brendancaff
Yes when your on a roll everything goes write then when its all over everything goes wrong
Flip a coin, streaks happen it’s just a statistical anomaly. @fiercelyacute
I said yes because in poker I believe it to be true. As others have said, when your confidence is up you play better, so it’s not just a coincidence.
Twitter = @superwombleuk
It does come in streaks. And is no coincidence . If you go in with a tight aggressive attitude rather than a loose go-lucky frame of mind, You will win . And if not,,,,…. You know you have play correctly.
yes of course it is, variance is good for that short window of time and he made the most out of it
@theblackrose84 on twitter
@bugsyshugrs
@bugsyshugars
my winning streak made everyone leave my poker table @djdoc2001
Of course there is reason. Self-confidence and knowing your abilities is one of the most important things at the table. When you are winning it is pure inertia. When you losing, you need to mourn your fate, hit the rock bottom of despair, sleep long, take a day of… and then start again.
@ironnutzpoker