Rules of Engagement

After so much playing, trying to build a bankroll, I've come up with some self-imposed rules that seem to further my success, the more I stick to them:

1) Don't play tired/sick.
When I'm tired or sick, my decision-making process is affected. Unlike most players, I actually play tighter/more conservative when I'm tired. But it still affects my play, so it's to be avoided whenever possible. Nothing wrong with taking a day off.

2) Don't chase a loss.
This is something I'm working on. I'm so competitive and win a good deal of the time. So when I run bad (i.e. get unlucky), I tend to want to play again, to prove that I can win. But it's dumb. There are times when you WILL lose, either because your luck is crap, or because you aren't playing at the top of your game. You have to recognize those times and take a small loss, rather than chase and end up with a huge loss.

3) Don't get personal/emotional.
There will be times when bad players get the best of you. And there will be times when the deck hates you. Either way, you can't let it affect how you play. You can't get fixated on one player, since you have to beat them ALL to win. And you will get bad luck sometimes. You have to try to laugh it off and move on. I'm struggling the most with this last part.