Controlling Tilt While Playing Multiple Tables

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?

Playing online affords many advantages like faster dealing and multi-tabling. This allows you to play ten or even twenty times the amount of hands as live play. This is a great way to make extra money when you're playing your best poker, but when you're on tilt it can cost you a small fortune. If it takes you ten minutes to calm down, you will generally tilt for three or four hands in a live game. If you're playing online, you may well see sixty or more hands in a ten minute span. If you are tilting for sixty hands, chances are that you will make more mistakes and lose more money. When this happens, instead of gradually calming down, poker players tend to become more agitated, and lose more money. Losing more money will cause you to stay on tilt or become even worse and the cycle is hard to stop once it starts. So how do we identify such situations?

If you are normally a tight solid player but find yourself playing fast and loose, chances are you are experiencing tilt. If you have lost several hands in a row this can be a sign. If you're losing a lot of chips you may be tilting, so you better do something fast.

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.

The author is a successful limit cash game player. He plays poker online and receives Absolute Rakeback and Minted Poker Rakeback.

Tagged with: gambling • Games • multi table • online poker • Poker • recreation • tilt

Filed under: Poker