Tilt: Do you suffer? How do you manage it?

In the past I have. I think I still do now. I hate those 90%+ favourite hands that lose to runner runner after an all in, especially after waiting patiently to get in that position against a maniac.

I consider myself a reasonable player who manages to make money each month from my bankroll. Nothing major - Enough to pay for things like weekends away etc. Its nice to find something I enjoy doing that has this side benefit. I Would not want to try an make a living out of it as I do not think I am good enough and would lose my love of the game - grinding hour after hour, day after day, etc etc.

Anyway - I know its irrational, however after buying some software that tracked my progress in detail, I found this major leak I had. I already know really - but seeing it in black and white meant I had to do something.

I would regularly build my winnings and then lose a large chunk of said winnings in a "blaze of glory". Each of these times co-incided after losing a 90%+ favourite hand against a muppet.

I had to come up with a way to stop this.

For the last 6 months I have followed these personal rules. ( I play cash games. Only 1 table at a time )

Rule number 1: At the start of each day I only have maximum of 1 Buy-in in my poker account. ( keep the rest of banroll in account specifically and only used for bankroll and bankroll winnings ).

Rule Number 2: use the feature at the poker site to allow maximum 1 buy-in per day.

Rule Number 3: If I lose an All-in ( where I lose more than 70% of chips ), Log off and do not return for more than 4 hours.

In essence the the above three rules mean that I have limited my downward varience during any one day. By the nest day I have lost the Tilt feeling. The good news is that the past 6 months mean that I have made considerably more than the previous 6 months. The only thing that I know I have changed is this money/tilt mgt.

I feel comfortable with these rules. It means that when I next play, after a bad loss, I am of clear mind again.

I have also come to terms with the fact that somes I want to play again immediately - but cannot due to above rules. Each time this happens - all i think about is that I am actually making money this way. ( as I am not losing it )

Anyway. I think I will always suffer tilt, however now I think I have managed to come up with a way that limits its effect to me.....but stills allows me to enjoy my hobby......

Has anyone else got any systems to combat the effect???

I do not have a system but badly need one. It sounds like you have found a formula that works for you. I would like to have a hobby that pays for itself. I think you have one.

Excellent post. +1 rep. I think if you can follow a set of guidelines to help curb the ill effects of tilt, you are demonstrating the underlying discipline needed to stay off tilt in the first place. And this reflects a disciplined approach to poker, which we know is important to a winning method of play.

Good system you got there. I noticed when I'm on tilt I end up blowing my money rather than taking a break. Getting frustrated and wanting to over come my losses.

anybody needs a refresher in titly behavior Google "tuff_fish"

That video has saved my winnings..I ignore it and tighten up

I find throwing my computer chair through a wall is a good way to burn off a little tilt. I also occiasionally kick my cat.

LOL... a lot of these are on YouTube. Grainy in many places, but still hilarious.

YouTube - 2004 USPC - Corkins vs D'Agostino

John D'Agostino says: you want tilt and bad beats? I can do that.

When I start tilting...especially after a couple of bad beats or plays, I usually start playing real Passive/tight, which I do not like. What I usually do is take a couple shots of bourbon to get my game back to nornal. Usually works 95% of the time.