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There are many components of an expert poker player. One thinks of card sense, logical thinking, not being averse to risk, etc, but by far the most often considered aspect is the quality of psychological endurance.

The term “tilt” related to a poker game is rather commonly understood as an implication of a change in the direction of a game – that is, a downward direction. Tilt is a term unique to poker and describes a psychological condition of a player’s equilibrium which is thrown off balance by an emotional trigger, causing a complete reversal of his normal method of play. Often, the tilted player will suddenly turn into a loose-aggressive one or an uncontrollable maniac, or some other destructive type far distant from his normal mode of play. Fear can be the cause behind the tilt and lead to tight-passive play. Whatever, the tilted one is on the road to complete disaster.

It is by far easier and cheaper to be able to avoid going on tilt at all, than to allow it and then struggle to repair the calamity. A thorough knowledge of poker is your best help in this respect. If you understand what distance and dispersion is in poker you will find it much easier to endure bad spells. Familiarity with mathematical statistics and the theory of probability in general helps you establish a realistic outlook on any or most situations in your life.

Even a simple comprehension of statistics will help you to realize that specific combinations do not always result in specific results of success, e.g., AQs in combination come with a 68% chance of success which can result in a loss of one out of every three deals.

It would be nice if knowledge alone was all that was needed – not so. Of course you are aware that bad things can occur but you don’t dwell on the negative. Even so, when they do happen, that extraordinarily lucky, but obvious beginner, can drive you up the wall and very shortly put you into full tilt mode and you are off on a tangent. Even if you recognize the tilt, you are too far gone at this point to control it.

For now, yes; but besides theoretical knowledge, there is another trick which may help you avoid going on tilt: a practical knowledge of your personal “triggers” – those specific events which trigger the undesirable reaction.

You must have a clear idea of an event to gain any control over it. You must be able to recognize such an event coming on before it hits and brings out the demons in you. Do not go with falling blindly under the spell of the tilt, observe yourself prior to, during and after the event and this insight will help you avoid the sensation of impending doom and can be more easily dealt with.

Now that you have gained clear insight into your triggers and your resulting behavior, you will be able to identify the tilt as it is looming before you and handle it in a more cool and controlled manner.

The author is a successful limit cash game player. He plays poker online and receives Full Tilt Poker Rakeback as well as Rakeback at Victory Poker.