@bjannan said in The psychology of Showdown:
Sorry, another showdown post.
Just lost another one (AL Stage 2, final boss) - all my fault. I came in needing 10 runs at 6-15. I was disciplined, in fact I was even good. Got to 13-15 with 14 outs remaining after a Gallo grand slam. Clarke Schmidt was up to around 65 pitches. I thought "I should take a break, come back to it". Then "Nah dude, you on a roll, keep going baby!!!". But I tensed up. Even with 14 outs remaining, I was already starting to fear failure. Once the fear gets you, you're done. I only got one more hit and that was erased on a double play.
Even with all the magic CPU fielding, and dotting the black etc; every loss comes down to the dude holding the controller. Those who beat these things constantly are not only technically good, but they stay 'zen' throughout it. I can only do that for a limited time.
I'm limiting myself to only two or three showdown attempts a day lately. I'll try again tomorrow.
True, I get tense and start screwing up. I pause, take a sip of water, etc and try to take a deep breath and relax. I usually just do 2 Showdowns per day as well. On my last attempt at 3rd Inning, I tried blowing through the final 5 after getting past Sutter and only succeeded in 2 of the 4 and went into the Final Showdown down 7-15. I tied it with 3 outs left and lost!!
I think the Psychology of it comes from knowing you have to start all over if you screw up. I wish Showdown you couldn't get eliminated though; one time buy in and you keep trying till you win. If the show wants to charge us, ok, 250 stubs per retry. That would eliminate the stress and tenseness of the mode.