Global Sports: Controlling Tilt While Playing Multiple Tables

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Controlling Tilt While Playing Multiple Tables

By Thomas Kearns


Most poker players are aware of the concept of tilt. But few realize how much of an effect it actually has on their bottom line. Tilt is when you lose your composure at the poker table generally due to a bad beat or two. It can also occur when another player is getting under your skin. When you're on tilt you make plays that you wouldn't normally make. These plays cost money. They often cost a lot of money. If you're playing live in a casino or card room you thankfully only lose control of one table at a time and may be able to calm down and regain your composure after only a few hands. But what if you're playing online and you have six to 8 tables open at once?

There are many advantages to playing online like multi-tabling and faster dealing, which allows you to play far more hands than live play. If you're playing your best poker this is a great way to make money, until you tilt which can cost you a small fortune. You will more than likely tilt for 3 or 4 hands in a live game in the ten minutes it takes for you to calm down. During a game online in ten minutes you may see 60 or more hands go by. Chances are you will make more mistakes and lose more money if you are tilting for 60 hands. Poker players tend to become more agitated when this happens, instead of calming down, costing them more money. Of course losing money will cause a player to stay on tilt longer and so the cycle continues. These situations can be identified.

Generally if you're playing fast and loose when you're normally a tight solid player, you're probably experiencing some degree of tilt. Another thing to look for is if you've recently lost several hands in a row. You may not realize that you're on tilt, but if you're hemorrhaging chips you better do something to calm down and stop the bleeding.

Taking a walk is an easy answer. Taking a ten minute break can help you regain your focus. The problem is if you're playing eight tables and you stand up every time you lose a big hand you'll spend more time walking than playing. Tightening up your game and paying closer attention to every play you make is a more realistic answer. Talking to yourself may help. "Does it make sense to raise with Ace Four Suited under the gun?" If you answer no to your own question then fold the hand. It may also be wise to fold a few borderline hands instead of taking the chance. Talking to yourself may sound crazy but you may be surprised at how many mistakes you avoid by doing it.

The answer to tilt is different for everyone. The common solution is that you need to do whatever works to calm you down and get back on your A game. If you're multi-tabling, you need to do it quick or your bankroll will take a serious hit.




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