Tilt Happy

  Most poker players are aware of what being on tilt means. For those who are unaware, it is that point in your game when your frustration, disappointment, and anger have made you play with all the savvy and skill of a rabid wombat. This are obviously not the best conditions for anyone to play under and it is best that people keep their negative emotions in check when at the poker table. Anyone who has seen clips of Tom Cruise bouncing on Oprah's couch proclaiming in the most silly way possible how in love he is with Katie Holmes should also take away the lesson that feeling really good about yourself can make you do stupid things as well.  Few people associate going tilt with feeling good, but it does happen. After a big hand or in the midst of a good run, a lot of people get this feeling of invincibility and tend to loosen their play up, or take chances they would not otherwise. The sting of losing is even blunted by extra chips sitting in your pile. This is a dangerous form of tilt because if you lose your fear of losing, you will lose your money.  The best defense against any form of tilt is to keep on an even keel whether you are winning big or losing your shirt. This is something that takes practice, and does not come naturally to everyone. Of course when you are emotionally out of balance to either extreme and you can't seem to control it, the best thing to do is take a break and recover your composure.