What does tilt mean?

December 14, 2021

Tilt is a gambling term referring to the state of emotional distress that makes you perform poorly in the game. The term is common in poker games. 

While there are many strategies to master to become successful in poker, keeping your emotions in check holds your ultimate key to success. For this reason, you need to avoid tilt at all costs.

What causes tilt in gambling?

Obviously, it is hard to control or avoid something that you don't know its cause. That's why it's crucial to understand the causes of tilt. 

The most common reason for confusion or frustration (tilt) in gambling is a public defeat, done in an embarrassing fashion. A bad beat, in whatever game you play, can trigger an emotional upset, which leads to tilting.

Furthermore, a trash-talking opponent can make you vulnerable to tilt. If you fall into their trap, you’ll end up making a move that you clearly know is bad. 

Again, though it's not quite common, a positive thing like a big win can trigger a tilt. Strong positive emotions can have the same effect as negative ones.

Finally, a tilt can occur as a result of drugs and alcohol. If you consume any of these before playing poker, your sentiments may affect your ability to reason well. These are just a few causes of tilt.

How to avoid tilt in gambling

To avoid tilt, you basically need to keep away from its triggers. In other words:

  • Don't consume alcohol or any drug before a poker game. Since you don't want anything that'll prevent you from thinking clearly, don't play while drunk or high.
  • Vent your disappointment internally. This will help you release tension even when you’ve been card-dead for some time.
  • Don’t let other players’ words get into you. You don’t want to make a move when tensed.
  • If you lose continuously, take a break. This will help you calm down and therefore implement the right poker strategies.

Don't let tilt control your poker game

Tilt is a state of mind, which makes it a hard thing to get away from. 

However, once you understand its causes and how to avoid them, you'll be looking forward to a fun poker time.

If you are coolheaded enough to try a game of live poker without tilting, move over to Caesars Online Casino, and don't forget to use promo code TALK2000 when you sign up.

Gus
Gus Anderson
Gus Anderson is a gambling wizard. As a kid he dreamt about becoming a Tennis, Hockey and Golf professional but ended up as a gambling professional with focus on both sports & casino.