Hi Guys,

I have a real problem, I get really angry and frustrated playing poker, even though Im a winning player. The way I behave when I look back at what Ive said, done, (or broken) even amazes me. Its been happening for a while now and I really dont know what to do. I was even thinking of getting some counselling.

I used to get really pissed off back when I used to be a gamer as well, but away from the computer Im actually a calm and polite person, its like I turn into someone else when I get really angry. Rest assured I would never ever hurt anyone, but I just get so damn angry and frustrated when things do not go my way, or have a string of really bad luck (variance).

I like poker, I started playing 5nl in February and now Im not far away from moving to 25nl, but I need some resources or something to help me break out of this. I want to enjoy playing poker.

Anyone?

Hi

Are you frustrated about your situation IRL ? Do you feel like you are underachieving at work or studies or in your relationships ? You a smart guy, but haven't yet had much success? If yes, this could be spilling over to your play at the poker tables - You feel frustrated and you have something to prove to "all these idiots" at the table ?


If that's the case, the best solution would be to address the issues IRL - Do some sport, work harder, get some new clothes, makeover lol, whatever it takes to get some self confidence and self esteem.

Sorry but whats IRL?

and yeah, you pretty much nailed it. Im in my late 30's now and when I look back there is so much more I should have done, but then again I havent had any luck go my way in my life (I know its an excuse but its true)
I am getting back on track, I in a band now, I also write my own songs and have plans, but I still cant seem to shake this anger habit I get playing poker. I promise myself before I play that I wont get angry, but sure enough I do.

IRL = in real life (ie away from poker)


Well, I think that is the reason for your anger / frustration at the poker table. Almost like an inferiority complex. Poker is played best with as little emotion as possible. Easier said than done I know

It's never too late to change. Late 30's is still young and being in a band and writing songs is cool. Try and look into personal development and doing things in your life that will boost your self esteem.

At the poker table, don't try and force the action. A big leak is trying to get the fish to change the way they play.

An example:

If a fish always calls your button raises and donks out with any piece of the flop, but never folds if you raise his donk bet. Then it doesn't matter how many times you raise his donk bets, he's still going to call.

Don't get all frustrated and angry vs the fish for calling you when you whiff with AK and he donks out with bottom pair and calls all the way to showdown.

You will NEVER get him to stop doing it.

What you need to do is to adjust. Wait till you get Middle pair or better, and then take him to value town. If you miss the flop and he donk bets, just fold.

hth

If you are pissed off about life in general and are playing music, how about playing some more aggressive music to vent. Play some death metal/thrash/grindcore? Or some spastic, off time, dissonant stuff, like The Dillinger Escape Plan, Converge, Ion Dissonance, Daughters, Cephalic Carnage, Psyopus.

As far as listening to music you can never go wrong with the album "City" by Strapping Young Lad. Oh my ****ing God is a great song to listen to and go berserk.

There are dudes older than you still going to town on this type of music.

I feel your pain. I'm just like you.

I found some things that help me a bit with tilting. I do push ups before playing , if i have too much energy i get angry easier.
I also listen usually when i'm playing to ambient music , with nature sounds and stuff. It calms me down , when i start getting angry.

But if i lose too much , nothing stops my rage , and eventually i can't help but manifest myself in a violent way ( smash my mouse or keyboard ) , if i don't stop playing.

If you manage to deal with your tilts somehow , let me know how you did it -i don't want to go to a shrink , they all piss me off with their attitude

Good luck!

oh man, this is so funny. I AM a thrash and death metal fan lol. And yes I have SYL whole collection, and City is my fave also a fan of Devin's solo stuff as well and yes Cephalic Carnage kick ass!

I know how you feel mate. I think its just something we have to endure and accept if we want to be successful at poker. Since my post ive made a new high in my winnings and started playing 25nl, so im feeling a bit better and more calm now. Maybe move down limits and play against some really bad fish if its getting painful to play. You should feel more relaxed and the money wont seem so much of big deal.

anyway best of luck

They ^^^ sound ashamed
Try this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbyAZQ45uww

I've had a similar experience. Short bad beat story incoming! When I first started playing online NL HE I was getting g my roll up and then took a shot and rivered quad queens but that river card gave villain a royal flush. I threw my mouse at the wall and it shattered and left a nice dent in the wall. . . This was at a 10c/25c table.

After taking a break I realized how ridiculous it was that I got that worked up over a $20 loss. My mouse was worth more than that lol.

After some trial and error and research I found d a couple breathing methods that helped me chill out. It wasn't a complete fix but I found taking 3 deep breaths (breathe in for 5 sec., Hold for 3 sec, and breathe out for 5 sec) it really helped me control the heat rising within. I would sit out for an orbit, walk around and try to laugh at it. Was there ever a chance I was folding? HELL NO MAN I HAD QUADS. it is just one of those spots where you did everything right and got coolered. Nothing could be done.

I chose to change my ways and stop playing the victim and realize that what happened was simply a bad beat and I couldn't do anything about it. That hand happened, and all I can do is move on. If I let it work me up then I will play poorly and lose more.

I leave you with this, and it's easier said than done. When you lose a big hand just sit out for an orbit or two and walk around using this breathing methods. Either change tables or stop your session you know? Good luck out there