What Is Poker Variance?

Poker variance is a term that is commonly used in the world of poker, but it is not always well understood. In essence, variance refers to the ups and downs that you experience when playing poker. It is the difference between your expected results and your actual results.

Put simply, poker variance refers to the fact that even if you are a skilled player who makes all the right decisions, you will still experience some degree of luck or bad luck in your game. This can cause your results to be different from what you might expect based on your skill level.

Understanding poker variance is important because it can help you to manage your bankroll and stay focused on making good decisions even when things are not going well.

There are several factors that contribute to poker variance. One of these is the randomness of the game itself.

No matter how skilled a player you are, there will always be an element of chance involved in each hand that you play. This randomness can lead to unexpected outcomes and swings in your bankroll.

PRO TIP:Poker variance is a measure of how much a player’s results may differ from the expected outcome. This can be positive or negative, with higher variance resulting in more unpredictable outcomes. Understanding your own poker variance is important to ensure you are playing at the right stakes for your bankroll and style of play.

Another factor that contributes to poker variance is the nature of tournament play. In a tournament, players are eliminated one by one until only one player remains. This means that even if you are a skilled player who consistently makes good decisions, you may still be eliminated early on due to bad luck or unfavorable matchups.

Managing poker variance requires discipline and patience. It means accepting that there will be ups and downs in your results and being prepared for these fluctuations.

One way to do this is by setting aside a portion of your bankroll specifically for dealing with variance. This money should be used only for playing through rough patches and should not be dipped into for everyday expenses or other purposes.

Another key aspect of managing poker variance is staying focused on good decision-making regardless of short-term outcomes. This means avoiding tilt (emotional reactions to bad beats or unlucky hands) and sticking to sound strategy no matter what happens.

In conclusion, poker variance is a natural part of the game and something that every player must learn to manage. Understanding how variance works and staying disciplined in your bankroll management and decision-making can help you to succeed in the long run.