::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
|
|
Going on Tilt
Here's a term you'd probably prefer not to know (or have experience with)
but it happens to the all of us occasionally in our poker careers. What's
does it ‘going on tilt’ mean?
"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.
Since poker is a game that requires reasoning, any kind of disruption or
impediment to this process threatens your game. Obviously, it's hard to
control your emotions all of the time, but in poker it's NECESSARY that you
control them at the APPROPRIATE time. If you have a J and a Q of spades and
the flop comes up with an ace, queen and 10 of hearts and a LOT of betting
action at the table, you need to realize that it's best to fold. A tilting
player would be inclined to go for that pot, no matter how ill-advised that
decision seems. Players on tilt keep going after fading dreams and the more
they chase, the more their situation deteriorates.
People who get upset and can’t stay focused and reasonable will likely lose
all of the money they brought to the table with them. Don't allow yourself
to go down that road.
Poker can seem inhuman in the way it triggers emotions but rewards people
who are made of stone - doesn't seem fair, does it? We’re not trying to
scare you, of course, or to imply that all poker players are unemotional ice
blocks, but it can’t be stressed enough how important it is to stay focused
and rational while at the table. Generally speaking, most players tilt due
to a bad loss or if they can't seem to win even a single hand. Some players
tilt after a big win or two, but these occasions generally are much shorter
than tilts caused by losing.
So, what can you do about tilting? First of all, recognize when it’s
occurring! That's the most important thing. Once you recognize that you're
allowing your emotions control your game, you can make the smart decision to
sit out a game or two; think happy thoughts; have a drink; or do whatever it
takes to get your composure back. In online poker, it's better not to curse
and punch your computer: the damage you inflict will only make you angrier
later (and cost more money!). Think about the Kenny Rogers song: "Walk away
from trouble if you can" - sounds corny, but it couldn’t be more appropriate
or right-on.
|
|
