Most poker players have experienced tilting at some point or another. Tilting is when you let your emotions get the best of you, and affect your play. When you are tilted, you are not thinking clearly, and more likely to make mistakes. Tilting can be caused by various things, such as losing a big hand, getting bluff caught, or even having a bad day. Whatever the reason, it is important to avoid tilting if you want to be a successful poker player.
Here are some tips on how to play poker while avoiding tilting:
Set a loss limit
Before you start playing, set limits to the number of poker games you will play. Decide how much you are willing to lose without getting upset. This will help prevent feelings of frustration, which will cause you to chase your losses – something that is never a good thing when it comes to.
If you are losing more games than your pride can take and more money than you can afford, then it is time to walk away. Do not try to win back what you have lost, as this will likely lead to more losses. Accept that you are having a bad day and come back another time.
Also, do not think about the money you have lost or the money you could win. Instead, focus on making the best decision for each hand. If you think you’re going to win, play a hand. If you’re unsure, even if you have a good hand, then there is no shame in folding. It is better to do so if you think you are up against a better hand than to risk losing all of your chips. By making good decisions, the money will come.
Practice discipline
Discipline is key in poker. You need to be able to control your emotions and stick to your game plan. Do not let your emotions get the best of you, and do not make impulsive decisions. A great way to do this is to play free poker games until you no longer get affected whenever you lose.
Control your temper
If you feel yourself getting angry, take a deep breath and count to 10. This will help you to stay calm and avoid making any rash decisions. Putting things into perspective also helps. When losing, just remember that you can’t undo it anyway, so you might as well take it in stride.
Remember, poker is just a game. It is not personal. If you lose a hand, don’t take it too hard. There will be other hands to play and other opportunities to win. Don’t ever think that some cosmic fate is out to get you, that’s just how poker is. You win some, you lose some.
If you feel that you’re still going to get angry or upset, take a break. Go for a walk, get something to eat, or just step away from the table for a few minutes. This will give you time to calm down and clear your head before you make any rash decisions.
If you are already angry or upset, it is best not to play at all. You will not be thinking clearly and you are more likely to make mistakes. Wait until you are in a better frame of mind before you sit down at the table.
Do not play when you are tired or drunk
If you are tired, your judgment will be impaired and you are more likely to make mistakes. Get a good night’s sleep before you play and take breaks often. Once you’re well-rested, you can go back to the poker table again.
Or better yet, just play poker online. If you’re looking for an online site for the game, GGPoker, the world’s biggest online poker room, would be a great choice. It’s a secure and convenient online poker site that offers an enjoyable poker experience.
It may seem like booze goes well with poker, but alcohol can cloud your judgment and make you more likely to make mistakes. Stick to non-alcoholic beverages while you are playing.
Focus on the long term
Don’t get too caught up in the short-term results. If you have a bad session, don’t worry about it too much. Focus on your long-term goals and results. Take whatever lessons you learned from your losses and use them to make your game better.
A good way to do this is to keep in mind that you plan on playing poker for months to come, if that is indeed what you plan to do. Because if you know that you’ll be in the game for the long haul, then it’s harder to get fazed by a loss or two.
Have fun
Poker should be enjoyable, so do not take it too seriously. Remember that you are playing for fun and entertainment, not to make a living. If you are not having fun, then you should take a break whenever you need. Once you’re regained a fun-oriented mindset, it’s time to get back to the poker table, live or online.
Chill out and enjoy the game
Following these tips can help you avoid tilting and keep your emotions in check. Remember, it is normal to tilt occasionally, but if it is happening all the time, then something needs to change. Be mindful of your emotions and take breaks when needed. And most importantly, enjoy the game!
