Losing your cool at the poker tables won’t help you win any games
Controlling and avoiding going on tilt is one of the hardest poker skills to master in a Texas Hold’em game and it might seem easier than it actually is. There are several forms of tilt – it can be subtle or as big as a tantrum. One of the most important things to figure out is when to start to tilt; however, identifying when something is putting you on tilt is quite easy.
There are many factors that can lead to set you into a sudden fit of rage, like not eating for a few hours. The best way to go is to clearly identify those cases that can make you lose your cool. Therefore, if you can identify when you are about to lose it, it is better to defuse the situation; controlling the tilt and emotions at the poker table will make you feel better right away.
The importance of self-control can be seen just by looking at the best poker players in the world who always seem to be at ease. In contrast, some of the worst players easily go nuts with every single thing. For instance, Phil Ivey, Patrik Antonius, and Tom Dwan are known for being very calm and, while playing online, it’s probably the same way.
If you are sure that you are in a good mood to face a poker game, then you don’t have to worry much about an episode. On the other hand, if you are able to notice that moment in which you are struggling, then you can take a break. This is the first part of the battle; the other one is admitting that is happening.
One last important thing is to be able to recognize the level of tilt and make the correct decision. Sometimes it can be a serious thing, so maybe quitting the game completely might make more sense.
