Chapter 9: You're going to tilt. What to do?
Top athletes know it: it's not just talent that makes the difference, but also the ability to maintain a strong mindset. Poker is no exception to this rule.
Gandalf
Professional Spin & Go player, co-founder of Poker Sciences
Tilt is the direct consequence of the Spin player's greatest enemy... variance. Always.
You will tilt, that's for sure...
Definition: Tilt in poker is a state of frustration or anger that leads a player to make irrational decisions. It often results in impulsive play and avoidable losses.
Tilt is one of the greatest enemies of Spin & Go players. It can cause real emotional nightmares, make you lose confidence in your game, and push you into decisions that will cost you dearly. Especially if you're still new to the format.
Yet tilt is inevitable. Even the best players experience it. The real question isn't "How to avoid tilt?" but rather "How to manage it?".
To answer this question, I offer you a list of points that I personally apply. They have all been very useful in my Spin journey and I still strive to apply them today.
Reduce the probability of tilt
1. Don't set any financial goals with a short deadline
Setting a goal like "win €500 this week" is a mistake, because you have no control over your short-term financial results. Because of variance of course, you're starting to know the tune...
Instead, focus on improvement goals, for example:
- "Improve my Heads-up BB vs SB limp game."
- "Learn my preflop push ranges <10 bb SB Heads-up."
- "Play 1,000 games this week."
2. Don't draw any conclusions from a small sample
Don't rely on the results of a few sessions. As we saw in chapter 4, a sample of over 1,000 games (minimum) is necessary to start drawing relevant conclusions about your CEV and therefore your level.
3. Take regular breaks
Even if you feel fine, take a few minutes of break regularly. Just use the time to drink some water and stretch.
Ideally, take breaks before you feel tired, irritated, or discouraged. Prevention is better than cure.
4. Don't focus on the money
Don't check your bankroll too often.
If seeing your balance affects you too much, hide it on your poker room and focus solely on the quality of your play, decision after decision.
What to do when tilting?
5. Stop playing if you feel the signs of tilt
Tilt doesn't only manifest as anger. Frustration, impatience, the urge to speed up your play are also signs that should alert you. As soon as you notice them, take a break and get some fresh air for a few minutes.
If when you resume you're still not in a good mood, consider ending your session for the day. Grinding is a marathon, not a sprint.
6. Release the frustration elsewhere
If the frustration persists, find a way to release it: exercise, listen to music, take a shower... Find what makes you feel good.
7. Reduce the number of tables if you lose confidence
If you feel like you're losing control of your game, temporarily lower your volume by playing fewer tables at once and focus on the quality of each decision.
Playing multiple tables at once allows you to maximize your playing volume, meaning the number of games played.
Start with a single table then gradually increase if you feel confident. And don't hesitate to reduce the number of games you play at once if you feel you're starting to lose control.
Work on your game to better manage tilt
8. Objectively analyze your hands
Review your sessions and look for real mistakes, not just the ones that frustrated you. Bad plays don't always come from huge pots where you gave up a bluff instead of firing a third barrel.
More often than not, it's preflop errors (excess shoves, calls, or folds) that weigh on your results. The Poker Sciences Preflop Pack is an excellent analysis tool for this.
9. Use analysis tools to put things in perspective
Instead of focusing on bad luck, reread the chapters of this course that discuss variance (especially chapters 4, 5, and 6) or use Swongsim yourself to better understand the impact of variance on your results.
In Poker Spin Tracker, you also have a Bankroll simulation option similar to Swongsim but easier to use.
10. Keep learning continuously
The more you work on your game, the more you'll develop real confidence in your way of playing and therefore serenity.
In addition to regularly reviewing your hands on a tracker to analyze them, you can for example:
- Review your preflop ranges regularly.
- Watch educational videos or read articles.
- Talk with other players. If you're interested, feel free to join our Discord. You're welcome.