Managing Your Emotions at the Poker Table

Managing your emotions when playing poker is extremely important and can make the difference between winning and losing. We all know how difficult it can be to always control our emotions and even though some have a harder time than others, the bottom line is that emotions can cost you the game. Most pokers players learn to stay calm cool and collected at the table for long periods of time by keeping their emotions in check. Letting your emotions interfere with your game is called “Playing on tilt�, or “Going on tilt�, and is a common expression among players everywhere. Playing on tilt refers to players who start to play badly and begin making dumb mistakes that end up costing them the game, more importantly, large amounts of cash. There are various things players can do to help them to keep the emotional factor at bay.

Here are a few good tips to help you avoid “playing on the tilt�:

Take a break and walk it off. One of the most important things a player can do, especially after a bad loss, is to take a break. Even a short walk or a few relaxing deep breaths can really help to re-focus the player and put a stop to the downward cycle. Most tournaments offer regular short breaks that players should always take advantage of. These breaks are often popular among smokers who find that a quick cigarette break can calm them right down.

Listen to music. Many players will wear a music device and listen to their favorite tunes while playing. Music is a great stress reducer and can sooth many bad nerves. While listening to music may help players to maintain control and many professional players even recommend it, it can be annoying to some players.

Talk it out. Talking to a friend can also be very beneficial. Sharing your anger and re-counting a bad hand with a trusted friend can really reduce your own anger. In addition, a good friend will always empathize, support and, hopefully, offer some useful advice. Often friends know us best and usually know the right things to say. Besides, what are friends for right?

Eat Something. Eating can really have a calming effect for many players. It could be a whole meal or just a snack, perhaps even just chewing a stick of gum will do the trick. If it works, go for it! Whatever it is.

Gambling can be very addictive and emotions only feed the fire. While the above tips are very good suggestions, players often come up with their own calming solutions. Whether it be playing a game on your cell phone or getting a massage, knowing what keeps your head cool when playing poker is the key to controlling your emotions and staying on top of your game. Remember, once a player starts to let their emotions take over, other players quickly pick up on it and move in to easily take advantage of that player.

Lastly, even the best players realize that there is no room for emotions in the world of poker. So whenever you feel yourself losing control of your emotions, calm down. Again, use whatever method works for you.