Card Dead

Is there anything worse than sitting at an action table with chips flying everywhere and being completely card dead?

That's what my last two sessions have been like and I'm a little surprised. One of the reasons I play short-handed PL Omaha is that days like that are few and far between. Missing almost every flop, then having to lay down big hand after big hand because you know it's beat. Years ago, sessions like that would frustrate me and I would start pushing anytime I felt I had even the slightest edge. This usually ended up costing me a few buy-in's and occasionally, a frightened cat and broken keyboard.

Eventually, I learned that there are times when the cards will just not allow you to play your normal game, and I believe that learning to play (or not play) when card dead has been instrumental to the growth of my bankroll.

What do you do when you are in a card dead situation? Open up and play more hands? Tighten up and play less?

Personally, I tighten up and then come in for a full pot sized raise when I do enter. I want to be the initiator of the action when I'm dead. This at least gives me a chance to win with a continuation bet after the flop, when I miss yet again.

Occasionally I'll switch to small ball and start limping more, but what you don't want to do is start calling more raises, chasing, etc. This is nothing but a giant leak. Be a patient aggressor, not a chasing caller!

Still not working? Stay as long as you can without getting frustrated, and not one hand more. There's always a game tomorrow and you'll do your bankroll a huge favor!


Good luck and don't suck,

-QAsRevenge