We discuss regularly how to avoid going on tilt and how to manage your emotions at the poker table and this is really important to maximising your abilities. We are going to focus today on how to deal with opponents during a cash game or poker tournament and things to bear in mind when they are playing hands soon after a bad beat, argument or loss of a big pot. Both Texas Hold’em online and live poker gives you opportunities to benefit from a weaker moment in your opponents.
Spotting the Tilt
It is harder to spot tilting online but there are a few signals. If a player shoves all-in immediately after suffering a beat you can polarise their range into either really strong or really weak. Whether you call depends on whether an all-in bet would be suitable with a strong hand or whether you think your opponent really is on tilt. I would suggest more often than not it is a medium strength hand in this situation.
If you read the online chat and the player is ranting, swearing typing characters in capital letters this suggests anger and frustration on their part. Most players do not have the wherewithal to act out these chat messages so if you see the frustration they are probably feeling it.
In live poker the signs are the player’s face burning red, obvious verbal anger and shaking of the head and negative body language. Throwing cards aggressively into the muck and banging chips are other signs. Anything that looks angry is a sign all is not well with that player for the moment.
Keep it light but focused
A little bit of needle can maintain their tilt. You will probably get some abuse, but it maintains their less than optimal mindset. If you play a pot with them, their range in the short term is probably a little wider, and less optimal. They are more likely to play top pair top kicker harder than before so your two pair and low sets gain a little value here. Be careful not to overdo it, you do not want to create a situation where your safety and the safety of those players around you is in jeopardy. When you play online poker you do not want your chat banned.
Watch the Action
The best time for an opponent to hit a big hand is after they have suffered a beat. I have won some of my largest pots when I have played a hand strong that was strong after a bad beat or large pot loss. Remember your opponent does not necessarily go on tilt after a beat so if they play a hand immediately after a loss it could be tilt or it could be the nuts.
You should watch their reaction after a loss, if they remain fairly calm then you can assume they take bad moments in poker quite well. Be aware that an experienced poker player usually has a good method to dealing with tilt and may be acting. Watching a player’s body language should give you clues whether they are genuinely tilting or not.
Playing an opponent who is on tilt gives you an opportunity to benefit from their loss of composure. Players usually recover from tilt so do not overstate the opportunities and start playing recklessly. Your own play should not deviate too much but if you get a strong hand and face bets you probably need to consider a few more hands they could be holding that are weaker than their normal range.
Some people would advocate playing the same way against these opponents as it could be an emotional bluff, but I think you must consider the opportunities that a tilting opponent presents you with in these situations as they do not come around that often.
By Malcolm Clarke
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