One of the hardest questions to answer when playing a cash game is knowing when to get up. There have been times when I have sat at even for 5 hours, and then suddenly I have a massive rush of cards. Then there are other times when I am up just a little bit and things take a turn for the worst. I know several people who set goals for themselves, and as soon as they hit that goal they rack up and run for the door. I have seen other people who hit hand after hand building a big chip stack, then they go broke because they didn’t leave when they were ahead. Since nothing is predetermined in poker, it is impossible to know exactly when the best time to leave is. However, making the best decision consistently will be profitable in the long run.
One of the biggest mistakes that I see beginning players make is that they build up a big chip stack but they don’t know when to quit; they inevitably end up losing it all. The easiest way to know if you should continue playing once you’ve built up a big stack is assessing how you are playing, how your cards are running, and how your table is. However, if the game turns bad or there is not much profit to be made, it might be time to take your winnings. Also, be aware of the players you might have taken big stacks from. They may be apt to start playing back at you. If you start getting loose with your chips because you have a big stack, it is time to get up. When you are playing well, it is always a good idea to keep playing as long as you can. This will ensure that you will maximize your profits during winning sessions.
