Anyway, last night was such a night. Playing $2/$5, luckily, so only losing about $200 in the process. A perfect hand:

I’m in early position with A9 suited, and decide to raise 3BB (a play I don’t usually make). I get minreraised and nobody calls — I do. A play I usually wouldn’t make again. Flop comes AJ3 rainbow. I bet right out (a play I would usually make hehe) and get re-raised about 3/4pot. I call.

Turn comes a queen — I check, villain checks behind me.

River comes a ten. I check, villain bets 50%pot, and i call. Villain had AK.

MEH. Tilt play.

Set yourself an amount that you are prepared to lose in on session and stick to it. When you reach that limit walk away from the table/computer and put it from the back of your mind. Whilst it is entirely possible that you will ‘make it all back in the next hand’, it is doubtful and all you’ll do is make a bigger dent in your bankroll.

You should also walk away if you have stopped playing good poker to chase big pots or improbable draws to make your money back. Also if the thought of moving up a limit to make back your losses faster crosses your mind you are definitely tilting.

Be aware of your emotional state when playing. Poker is as much a psychological game as a mathematical one. Don’t play if you have just broken up with your girlfriend and can’t see the cards for the tears (I guarantee you will play terribly) or you have had a huge row with you boss. Depressed, angry or tired players lose money hand over fist. And if anything will make you feel worse it is losing lots of cash.