Let's talk about "tilt"

**SNutizzle** · 03-27-2008 03:00 PM

Ok so to loosely define "tilt," it is essentially a clouded state of mind that one enters when they a) make a wrong read, b) make a bad call, c) get sucked out on, d) run into a cooler situation where your "nuts" end up being 2nd or 3rd nuts (that is my kind of luck, personally).etc. I'm sure there are a plethora of factors that put someone on tilt.

No one can deny that they have "tilt" moments and the reason why is because "tilt" bears an identical reaction to our emotional responses to life. I don't think a single one of us could say we have walked through life never looking back, wondering if our choice(s) was right, what might have happened if we had done x instead, wishing that we had realized we had a wrong read on a person or a situation before things got to a point of no return, etc. And, we all do this. Even if it is brief, because it's honestly an important point of self-reflection.

So, I guess my point is.......tilt is inevitable, but just like life, you can't dwell around on the coulda woulda shouldas, or else you can't move on with a healthy life......aka a healthy and focused poker game.

My question now is this: How do you personally deal with tilt? What are your methods for getting back on a straight and narrow track to success in your game? Can you remember your worst tilt moment and what caused it?

Just thought it might be an interesting topic to discuss and get different points of view.

**charlton49** · 03-27-2008 03:10 PM

Good post, midge!

Personally, I have a great built-in factor to not staying on perma-tilt in that I can be pretty forgetful. It's weird because I remember names, faces, and various other details on a daily basis for work. However, put me on the felt, and aside from player tendencies, I usually forget how hands play out.

In order for that to work, however, I need to step away. This is why my online play goes through such big swings. If I take a bad beat or go on a losing streak, I simply jump back on and keep playing. But, if I play live, I can get up, walk away, and not be around the nonsense that will ultimately lead me to losing even more money.

**SNutizzle** · 03-27-2008 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by charlton49

Good post, midge!

If I take a bad beat or go on a losing streak, I simply jump back on and keep playing. But, if I play live, I can get up, walk away, and not be around the nonsense that will ultimately lead me to losing even more money.

I am not a midget. For the final time

I completely agree with you that I'm WAY worse about online because it's so easy to just hop into another game and tilt away!

**stackinsideways** · 03-27-2008 04:00 PM

When I hit a tilt spot I end up doing the 'Phil" and going into a shell...then looking for that 1 spot to get it all back...

too bad that 1 spot is usually a race...and since I would already be running bad to get that point I usually end up losing it...

but the best thing about being on tilt due to a suckout is sucking out on somebody else....

redemption can be such a great feeling

**PokerBroker** · 03-27-2008 05:08 PM

I may have a different perspective on this topic since I play 98% cash games and tilting can cost you so much more than if you tilt in tournament play.

While tilting can cost you a fortune at a cash table, I think that the cash game can actually help "tournament players" learn to tilt less because you are forced to weather very regular ups and downs.

It is always important to look at the game as a marathon, not a sprint, and if you make the effort to set long term goals it can be easier to handle the little bumps in the road.