Avoiding Tilt While Playing Poker

Avoiding tilt, or “tilting”, is an important part of any poker player’s game. Going on tilt happens to all poker players eventually. The key is how you recognize and handle it.

Tilting refers to letting your emotions interfere with your ability to play poker. Generally it occurs in the middle of a bad streak but it can also happen when things are going well. Poker is a game that requires reasoning and a clear mind. Any kind of disruption in your ability to keep your emotions in check will threaten your game. Controlling your emotions in poker is necessary if you are going to be a successful player. A player on tilt may go all-in when the decision is clearly a poor one. Some players on tilt make one bad decision after another until the downward spiral snowballs completely out of control. This problem can prove to be very costly.

Poker is not a fair game! Play long enough and you’ll have your share of lucky and unlucky streaks. Eventually it all evens out and that’s why avoiding tilt is so important. Learn to control your emotions and in the long run you’ll be rewarded. It is absolutely critical that you stay focused and rational while playing. Player’s who get too emotional, upset, and can’t stay focused will likely lose all of the money they brought to the table. Don’t let this happen to you.

Usually, tilting happens to a player after a huge bad beat, or if they can’t seem to win a single hand. At that point the player going on tilt starts to play reckless. Some player’s, although not too many, actually tilt after a big win! The player tilting from losing will more likely tilt for a longer duration than the player tilting from winning.

So how can you go about avoiding tilt or tilting? Actually you can’t avoid it because it is a natural part of the game. The most important factor is that you must recognize when it’s occurring so you can limit any damage that may follow. If you can’t, then you’ll find yourself tilting over and over and possibly losing a lot of money. Once you’re able to recognize when it’s occurring, you’ll then be able to control your emotions. You must be able to control your emotions if you are to make smart decisions. If you make smart decisions, you control your game.

Making smart decisions may include sitting out a game or two, or possibly waiting until the next day to resume playing. Do whatever it takes to get your composure and mind-set back. I recommend sitting out for awhile and going for a long walk, run, or another type of exercise. You’ll be more relaxed afterwards both physically and mentally. You should then be in a better frame of mind to resume playing.

Do you ever notice players on television listening to music while they play in big tournaments? Listening to music can be a big help when it comes to avoiding tilt. The enjoyment the music brings you will help counteract the negative emotions from a bad beat. If you do happen to suffer a bad beat, make sure you change the song you were listening to at the time.

Avoiding tilt may not be possible. How you recognize and handle it will determine your fate.

Comments are closed.

Copyright © 2007 BadBeatorNot.com in association with 4kingpoker.com · Log in