Part of success in online poker is keeping control of your emotions. One bad beat can send a player into a tilt spiral that may not end until their entire bankroll is depleted. When you play online poker, there are even less external prohibitions on giving in to your emotions, as opposed to playing live tournaments. On the bright side, there are also more ways you can get control.
Losing Control
It is common for players to become extremely emotional upon receiving a bad beat. There’s nothing worse than making a correct play and losing a huge stack of chips to someone you perceive as a donkey. The problem occurs when players then begin to play as badly as the donkey out of “spite,” to prove that they can play badly and win as well. Of course, often the exact opposite happens, which results in big losses. This is why it is so important to nip this kind of behavior in the bud and learn how to manage the stress.
Regaining Control
Since you are playing at home, the first thing you should do is click “sit out next hand” and get away from the computer. Take a deep breath and walk around. If you are playing in a tournament you may need to get back to the table shortly, but it’s okay if you miss a hand or two as long as it helps you get back in control. Remind yourself that there is an element of luck to poker, and that bad beats happen to good players more than bad ones since they get their money in good more often. Make sure you are ready to play your best game again before returning to the table.
More About Emotion in Online Poker
More than the ability to read opponents, bluff or understand odds, discipline is paramount in online poker. If you can stay disciplined, you have a great chance of being successful at online poker, and this is something you should keep in mind whenever you play. |
