Key Insights
Quick Answer:
Best X for Y: Best defence against long losing streaks: Bankroll discipline
Best time to do X: Best time to adjust behaviour: Before the streak starts
Biggest mistake: Changing strategy to “fix” variance
Pro tip: Streaks are variance, not feedback
Why Long Losing Streaks Happen In High-Variance Games
High-variance games trade frequency for payout size.
That means:
- wins happen less often
- losing stretches last longer
- results swing more sharply
This is normal behaviour for volatile games, not a sign of poor play.
High Variance Does Not Mean Poor Odds
Variance and RTP are not the same thing.
Variance Versus Expected Return
- RTP describes long-term expectation
- Variance describes short-term volatility
A game can have strong RTP and still produce long losing streaks. Confusing these two leads to bad decisions.
Why Losing Streaks Feel Worse Than They Are
Losses feel heavier than wins feel good.
Loss Aversion At Work
Players tend to:
- remember losses more clearly
- feel streaks as personal failure
- overestimate how “bad” the run is
Emotion magnifies perception. Math stays the same.
The Most Common Mistakes During Losing Streaks
Losing streaks do damage when behaviour changes.
Common mistakes include:
- abandoning correct strategy
- increasing bet size to recover faster
- extending sessions beyond plan
- switching games impulsively
These reactions increase damage far more than the streak itself.
Why Changing Strategy Does Not Fix Variance
Strategy is designed for long-term play.
Changing it mid-streak:
- increases error rates
- adds unnecessary risk
- lowers real RTP
Variance resolves itself only through time and volume, not adjustment.
How Bankroll Planning Absorbs Losing Streaks
Bankroll rules exist for this exact reason.
Why Bankroll Matters More In High-Variance Games
Proper bankroll:
- absorbs long dry spells
- prevents forced decisions
- protects emotional stability
Without adequate bankroll, variance feels catastrophic instead of manageable.
When To Step Down Or Stop Playing
Discipline includes knowing when not to play.
Stepping down is appropriate when:
- bankroll drops below planned thresholds
- fatigue sets in
- emotional pressure rises
Stopping protects EV more than forcing action.
Separating Short-Term Pain From Long-Term Play
Losing streaks are short-term noise.
Strong players focus on:
- decision quality
- strategy adherence
- rule consistency
They measure success by execution, not session results.
Why Tracking Helps During Losing Streaks
Tracking creates perspective.
What Tracking Reveals
Tracking shows:
- how often streaks really occur
- whether strategy is being followed
- whether errors increase under pressure
Data replaces emotion with evidence.
Mental Habits That Reduce Streak Damage
Habits That Preserve Discipline
Helpful habits include:
- pre-defined loss limits
- planned session lengths
- scheduled breaks
- post-session reviews
Structure limits emotional reaction.
Accepting Variance Without Personalising It
Variance does not judge skill.
It expresses probability.
Acceptance means:
- not blaming yourself
- not forcing recovery
- trusting long-term math
Acceptance prevents tilt during extended downswings.
Recovering After A Long Losing Period
Recovery starts with restraint.
After a streak:
- review behaviour, not outcomes
- confirm strategy accuracy
- return at planned stakes
Recovery is about control, not compensation.
FAQs On Losing Streaks In High-Variance Games
Are Long Losing Streaks Normal?
Yes. Especially in high-variance formats.
Do Losing Streaks Mean Strategy Is Wrong?
No. Strategy is judged over large samples.
Should I Switch Games During A Streak?
Only if it fits your original plan, not as a reaction.
Can Tracking Reduce Losing Streaks?
No, but it reduces emotional damage.
Is Variance Worse Online?
Speed increases exposure, but variance itself is unchanged.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand how to manage long losing streaks, the next step is learning how bankroll size should change across different video poker variants.
Next Article: Bankroll Requirements for Different Video Poker Variants (Article #35)
Next Steps
If you want tracking context, read: How to Track Your Video Poker Performance Over Time (Article #30)
If you want psychology foundations, read: The Psychology of Decision-Making in Video Poker (Article #31)
Want the full framework? Use: The Complete Guide to Video Poker (pillar)
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