Downswing
An extended period of losing that can occur even when playing well, due to natural variance. Downswings are inevitable in poker and can last hundreds or thousands of hands. A 10 buy-in downswing is common for winning players. Understanding that downswings are mathematically normal helps maintain proper bankroll management and mental resilience.
Example
You are running 25 buy-ins below expectation over 40,000 hands. Your actual results show -8bb/100, but your all-in equity adjusted line shows +4bb/100 — it is a downswing, not a skill issue.
Where this matters
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Related Terms
See Also
- Standard Deviation- A statistical measure of the spread of your results around your average win rate. In poker, standard...
- Win Rate- A measure of how much you win per unit of play over time. In cash games, win rate is expressed in bi...