Tilt gets a bad rap.
Let's consider this—it's undeniable that tilt poses significant challenges. Yet, due to the negative connotations it carries, having open and insightful conversations about it within the professional space and beyond can be quite difficult. Many view it as a sign of mental weakness in a player, indicating a lack of seriousness towards the game.
When I first got into poker, I felt shame when I experienced tilt. Tilt It was perceived as a flaw. A truly skilled player wouldn’t let themselves tilt. However, after enduring the ups and downs of poker for over a decade, I’ve realized that every player experiences tilt at some point, although most are not honest with themselves about it.
Why does such a stigma exist regarding a struggle that every player inevitably encounters? What makes it so challenging to discuss and even more difficult to overcome?
It ultimately boils down to several false beliefs—narratives we tell ourselves, often subconsciously, that inhibit our progress in strengthening our mental game.
Myth #1: We Excel at Self-Honesty
As someone engaged in poker, I focus on taking advantage of others' weaknesses. As a coach, my role is to help players overcome these challenges. Tilt plays a significant role in the mental aspect of the game, which is why it's a frequent topic in our discussions. But first, we need to identify the triggers that lead to tilt. Thus, I often begin by asking my students: combat tilt What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses?
Unraveling the truth behind this inquiry can be quite challenging. Many believe they're adept at being self-reflective, but that’s often not the case. Even those who can pinpoint some weaknesses tend to present them in a more favorable light or overlook critical areas in their game.
Reaching a point where my students can comfortably and honestly reflect on their shortcomings is often a complex process. Even after making progress, we frequently revisit these discussions, as old thought patterns tend to resurface.
Admitting the truth about ourselves in significant matters is tough because we often cling to our familiar mental states. It's easier to maintain the status quo than to confront uncomfortable realities. Staying in this comfortable space allows us to avoid the discomfort of making necessary changes.
Additionally, it helps keep our self-esteem intact. So, recognize that this process is inherently challenging. It shouldn’t feel easy or comfortable. If you find yourself discussing your shortcomings lightly with a mentor or peer, it might be wise to dig a little deeper.
You might have heard that poker isn't about what you deserve, but that doesn't alleviate the frustration when unlucky outcomes occur. We struggle to reconcile mathematically improbable events, even when we intellectually know they are part of the game. Whether it's a one-outer on the river or witnessing a questionable call, emotionally navigating these scenarios can be a tough challenge. Simply acknowledging the
Lie #2: The World Is Against Us
from afar doesn't provide comfort when things take a turn for the worse. math A straightforward illustration of the struggle to internalize probabilities can be seen in the distribution of starting hands. Many of my students often express their frustration with, \"I never receive any quality hands.\" They observe others around them getting premium hands while they feel left out.
Let's break down the numbers: 88+, ATs+, KJs+, AQo+ make up just 6.8% of starting hands. This means that a staggering 93.2% of the time, players can expect to be dealt subpar hands. JJ+ and AK account for a mere 3% of potential hands. Consequently, you won’t often encounter those premium hands; in fact, that's how it is supposed to be. If we want to put this into perspective, let's envision a live ring game.
In a typical live poker setting, assuming no excessive delays, you can expect to receive premium hands about once every hour. Therefore, over a five-hour session, you’ll likely see JJ and AK just four to five times, with AK appearing roughly two and a half times more often. What this means is you'll have a couple of occasions to play AK and possibly one or two high pairs throughout your entire session. The chances of being dealt AA even once during a session are minimal. And again, this is an average; thus, it's natural to experience stretches without those hands at all.
You can see around 30 hands Understanding these probabilities is one thing, but truly grasping what they imply—that they are expected and will happen to you—is vital for reducing tilt. underdog One of my favorite websites, Wait But Why , humorously illustrates this scenario through a relatable situation: getting a flat tire.
Response #1: OF COURSE, THIS HAPPENS TO ME—TYPICAL.
Response #2: Approximately 10-15 annoying incidents like this occur every year; I might as well get this out of the way today.
- Transforming into someone who embodies Response #2 isn't simplistic, but it can significantly enhance your mental approach to the game.
- Myth #3: We Aren’t Experiencing Tilt Because We Aren’t Playing Recklessly
Tommy Angelo aptly states in his insightful work, Elements of Poker : \"Tilt encompasses any deviation from your optimal game and your best mindset, no matter how minor or brief. It prompts us to act in ways we wouldn't if we were truly on top of our game.\"
One of the clearest examples of tilt is what he classifies as hard tilt. This is when a player becomes emotionally unhinged, hastily donating chips, or wagering recklessly in a desperate effort to recoup losses. Either through our own experiences or observations, we’ve all seen this type of behavior at the poker table. A once-tight player has aces cracked and then shockingly shoves all-in with a five-three suited on the next hand, leaving everyone at the table wide-eyed.
Upon witnessing this, many may think, \"When challenges arise at the table, I tend to manage them fairly well. I don't start playing wildly or bluffing excessively.\" They subconsciously rationalize that because they maintain a semblance of discipline despite unfavorable situations, or because their tilt isn’t outwardly obvious, all is well. They convince themselves that they’re coping adequately; they're not tilting.
While it may be true that you’re not engaging in reckless play, you might be tilting in subtle ways you haven’t genuinely explored. There could be shifts in your decision-making process—such as acting more impulsively than usual, for instance. Alternatively, you might develop a tendency to tighten your play following a severe loss.
The logic is straightforward: post-loss, you might feel tempted to play conservatively as a protective measure against further losses. This instinct may lead you to give your opponents more credit than necessary, stemming from a subconscious desire to avoid making another poor call.
Keep in mind that any deviation from your ideal strategy can be viewed as tilting.
Some individuals effectively manage emotional stress better than others, yet neglecting to implement a strategy to counteract tilt simply because you’re not overtly reckless is misleading. We often tell ourselves this to evade the hard work of scrutinizing our game and seeking improvement.
Jen Harman shared a thought that struck a chord with me—it was so insightful that I felt foolish for not recognizing it earlier. She stated, \"It’s challenging to play effectively when you’re losing. Therefore, you should make it a priority to avoid situations where your losses accumulate to a point that makes it hard for you to recover quickly the next day. Keep those losses minimal. When you’re down, others are up. And when they’re winning, they're feeling confident and playing better.\"
These are not the types of sessions you should be prolonging. I’ve seen players at the end of marathons lasting 24 hours, slumped over their tables surrounded by a litter of coffee cups, desperate to break even. Conversely, it's rare to witness someone enjoying an exceptional session pushing themselves to exhaustion. Instead, those players typically bask in their success for a while and then think, \"That was great; it’s time to celebrate.\" Those are the sessions to extend—when you're feeling fantastic, running hot, and playing at your best—because during those times, your opponents are likely struggling, feeling disadvantaged, and playing poorly.
Lie #4: Quitting Is a Weakness
The compelling nature of gambling tends to escalate during losses compared to winning. The urge to recover losses can be an overwhelmingly strong pull. It's vital to remain aware of this urge, recognizing that our minds may deceive us into justifying continued play.
A common justification relates to the sentiment—\"The game is too great right now.\" However, merely having a good game doesn’t justify playing when you're not mentally sound. Unless you’re in a truly rare scenario where opponents are excessively loose or going all-in indiscriminately, it’s unlikely you’ll find yourself in a situation that is one-off.
Your usual casino game with less skilled players will be available the following evening. There will always be more tournaments or weaker players worth pursuing. Prioritizing maintaining a solid mental state will help ensure you can play each game with the best of your ability.
Establishing stop-loss measures can be powerful strategies, as they allow you to exit a situation without any need for negotiation with yourself. Utilizing a strategy that revolves around quitting in response to tilt doesn't signal weakness; rather, it exemplifies a level of strength that many struggle to adopt.
Myth #5: We Will Handle Tilt Effectively When It Occurs
The distinction between good and exceptional players lies in their approach to tilt.
A good player believes that even in moments of tilt, it doesn't impact them significantly. They convince themselves they can still perform adequately. They justify their continued play by claiming, \"The game is too good.\" They may end up playing their suboptimal B or C game, presuming it still surpasses their opponents'. They believe their years of experience have fortified them against the effects of tilt, making them impervious and untouched, regardless of the pressures they encounter.
Discover the reasons why experiencing tilt may not be as catastrophic as it seems and gain insights on how to manage it by confronting some harsh realities shared by coach and player, Melanie Weisner. mental games Understanding the Myths of Tilt: The Five Falsehoods We Tell Ourselves
Exploring Tilt in Poker: The Five Illusions We Maintain
Let me clarify—it's undeniable that tilt poses significant challenges. Yet, due to the negative connotations associated with it, engaging in candid, high-level conversations within the professional sphere proves difficult. Tilt is often seen as a sign of a weak-minded player, an inferior player, or someone who doesn’t approach the game earnestly.
When I began my journey in poker, feeling tilt was akin to carrying a burden of shame.
It was perceived as a flaw. An accomplished player never experiences tilt. However, after navigating the highs and lows of poker for over a decade, I’ve come to realize that every player experiences tilt at some point—yet many fail to acknowledge it honestly.
Armed with the Truth
So, what fuels the stigma surrounding a challenge that every player will inevitably encounter? Why is discussing tilt so daunting? And why is it seemingly so tough to overcome? poker tournaments Ultimately, this stems from a series of misunderstandings—self-deceptions that we often hold onto subconsciously, hindering our ability to enhance our mental game.
Falsehood #1: We Are Skilled at Being Honest with Ourselves
The critical part of creating a strategy As a poker player, my role involves capitalizing on the weaknesses of others. As a coach, my objective is to help rectify these shortcomings. Tilt plays a crucial role in the mental aspects of poker, making it a frequent topic of my discussions. To tackle it effectively, we first need to understand its causes. So, one of the initial questions I pose to my students is:
In what areas do you believe your strengths and weaknesses lie?
- How do I behave once I’m compromised?
- How do I truly feel?
- Am I likely to chase losses?
- Get over-aggressive?
- Become scared money?
- Something totally different?
- Uncovering the truth about this can be quite challenging. It appears that people often believe they are adept at self-criticism when, in reality, they are not. Even when they exhibit some level of objectivity regarding their flaws, they still have a tendency to embellish them or overlook significant details.
It often requires extensive psychological work to guide my students to a stage where they can openly admit their shortcomings and engage in the necessary self-reflection. Moreover, it tends to be an ongoing process as the mind usually defaults to prior patterns.
Honesty in critical situations poses a formidable challenge since altering our established mental patterns is no easy task. Remaining in a familiar mindset feels secure—one doesn’t have to confront uncomfortable realities. It’s also convenient because it absolves one of the effort required for change.
Additionally, it preserves our self-image. So, realize that achieving this level of honesty is indeed a formidable task. It shouldn't be straightforward or comfortable. If you find yourself breezing through discussions about your flaws with a coach or peer, it might be a good idea to reevaluate.
You've likely heard the saying that there's no concept of 'deserving' in poker, but that doesn't provide much solace. We still struggle to accept when highly improbable events unfold in our favor, despite our understanding that they are statistically possible. Whether it's a miraculous one-outer on the river or an opponent making an inexplicable call, addressing these emotionally taxing situations is tough for us. Knowing the statistical odds from a distance does not alleviate the discomfort when fortune doesn't favor us.