On the Grind Live Play Series
Maintaining Solid Play During a Brutal Downswing
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Watch Real Downswing Play with Commentary on Managing Variance
Down 10 buy-ins in a single day. Pocket aces getting cracked. Sets losing to runner-runner draws.
This is what variance looks like.
This 2-hour, 4-episode series documents real sessions during a brutal downswing, showing you how to maintain solid play and a level head when the cards aren't going your way.
The Reality of Downswings
This series isn't about winning sessions or highlight reels. It's about dealing with the harsh reality of poker variance: playing good poker while running badly, keeping emotions in check, and trusting your process when results aren't there.
You'll see the actual graph dropping, premium hands losing, and the mental challenge of continuing to play solid poker through it all.
What You'll See
- Live Play on Ignition Casino During a Real Downswing
- How to Maintain Solid Strategy When Running Bad
- Graph Analysis Showing Variance in Action
- Managing Emotions and Keeping a Level Head
- Understanding That Downswings Are Part of the Game
- Mix of 5NL Zone (Fast-Fold) and Regular Tables
Why This Series Matters
Many poker courses only show winning sessions. But learning to handle downswings is just as important as learning strategy. This series shows you that even when you're playing well, variance happens. The goal is to win more than you lose over time, not to win every session.
What Makes Downswings Hard
It's not just about losing money. It's about seeing your strongest hands consistently lose, watching opponents hit unlikely draws, and dealing with the frustration that comes with running below expectation. This series addresses the mental side of poker that most courses ignore.
Series Structure: 4 Episodes, 2 Hours Total
Each episode shows live play with commentary, graph analysis, and honest discussion about dealing with variance and maintaining solid play when results aren't going your way.
Who This Series Is For
- Players Who Struggle Mentally During Downswings
- Anyone Who Needs to See That Variance Happens to Everyone
- Students Learning to Separate Results from Good Play
- Players on Ignition Casino or Similar Sites
What You Need
- Understanding of No Limit Cash Game Fundamentals
- Recognition That Poker Involves Variance
- Willingness to Focus on Process Over Results
What You'll Get from This Series
- Real Example of Playing Through Variance
- Understanding That Downswings Are Normal
- Insight into Maintaining Solid Play When Running Bad
- Perspective on Separating Results from Decision Quality
Your Instructor
Alton Hardin is the founder and lead instructor at MicroGrinder Poker School and a former college professor. He’s an Amazon #1 best-selling poker author (including Essential Poker Math, Expanded Edition), has published multiple poker books and courses, and has been featured on the nationally syndicated poker industry radio show House of Cards. Alton focuses on practical, fundamentals-first strategy for micro stakes cash games and continues to play and teach 6-max No-Limit Hold’em (25NL and below).