For some, tilt manifests itself in intense emotions and restless movements. Others withdraw into themselves, freeze, and even forget to breathe. As a result, they lose consciousness. Don't forget to breathe.It's human nature to exaggerate our misfortunes. Losing the bank doesn't mean losing your life.When you think about a loss that has befallen you, don't think of the words "end" or "never." Instead, think of "I can handle it; it's okay."
At the start I’m pretty quiet and observant, just letting the table settle and picking up who’s chatting, who’s nervous, who’s splashing. I’ll usually handle my chips a bit, nothing flashy, just enough to stay loose and comfortable. Once I’ve got a read on the vibe, I’ll talk more if it helps the game flow or puts people at ease.
I'm never nervous or something like that - when I'm playing online poker, because I'm just enjoying the game + that's not going to affect my personal life...
But, live poker games if I have some tricky decisions to make, breathing techniques are pure gold! 😉
But, live poker games if I have some tricky decisions to make, breathing techniques are pure gold! 😉
I chat up some of the other decent, good and nicer players at the table. Being in a smallish under a 1m population province I typically know everyone or know of everyone that's playing which can be good but also is kinda sad as most them are just trash humans or apart of organized crime groups. Pro-tip: If you can help it don't like in a smallish city with an international port as it attracts so of the worst kind a people. Which is why I prefer to play mainly online.
I take a hoodie and sunglasses with me in case I end up on a table without any decent or good human beings which I usually don't stick around if I do or I request a table change if possible. Being a smallish city equals a smallish player pool so a lot of the time your stuck on the table you get. Which really sucks at times.
Cheers!!!
I take a hoodie and sunglasses with me in case I end up on a table without any decent or good human beings which I usually don't stick around if I do or I request a table change if possible. Being a smallish city equals a smallish player pool so a lot of the time your stuck on the table you get. Which really sucks at times.
Cheers!!!
In my case, when I sit down to play, I shouldn't be distracted by anything. I turn off everything unnecessary, leaving only music on with headphones. Then I load up the poker rooms and start playing. I need to watch the players, study their playing style and make the right decisions. Even if I make a mistake, don't transfer them to other tables. Don't get nervous...
Keeping calm at the table is one of those skills that quietly adds a lot to your win rate.
For me, it starts before the first hand is dealt. I like to sit for a few minutes, observe the table, and remind myself that this is a long session—not something that has to be “won” in the first orbit. Focusing on making good decisions instead of forcing action helps a lot.
During play, I try to keep a consistent routine: same posture, same betting motion, same pace. That alone reduces stress and also avoids giving off unnecessary tells. I don’t mind light table talk, but only when I’m not in a hand—when I’m involved, I stay quiet and focused.
Accepting variance is huge. Bad beats are part of the game, so when they happen, I mentally check whether I played the hand correctly. If the answer is yes, I move on. If I feel frustration building or start rushing decisions, that’s my signal to take a short break.
Simple things like controlled breathing, slowing down actions, and having a clear quit point make a big difference in staying calm and playing your best poker.
For me, it starts before the first hand is dealt. I like to sit for a few minutes, observe the table, and remind myself that this is a long session—not something that has to be “won” in the first orbit. Focusing on making good decisions instead of forcing action helps a lot.
During play, I try to keep a consistent routine: same posture, same betting motion, same pace. That alone reduces stress and also avoids giving off unnecessary tells. I don’t mind light table talk, but only when I’m not in a hand—when I’m involved, I stay quiet and focused.
Accepting variance is huge. Bad beats are part of the game, so when they happen, I mentally check whether I played the hand correctly. If the answer is yes, I move on. If I feel frustration building or start rushing decisions, that’s my signal to take a short break.
Simple things like controlled breathing, slowing down actions, and having a clear quit point make a big difference in staying calm and playing your best poker.
When you lose on the river in the same tournament, especially when you were number 1 and ahead since the turn, there are only two real things you can do?
What you should NOT do:
-change your strategy out of frustration,
-play weak hands to “win it back”,
-get angry at the game or the opponent.
When you're number 1 and lose on the river, it’s just the low‑probability outcome happening. It’s not your fault, not a misplay — it’s simply poker.
What you should NOT do:
-change your strategy out of frustration,
-play weak hands to “win it back”,
-get angry at the game or the opponent.
When you're number 1 and lose on the river, it’s just the low‑probability outcome happening. It’s not your fault, not a misplay — it’s simply poker.