Poker is often described as a game of skill, psychology, and patience. Yet for many players, the toughest opponent they face is not the player across the table, but their own emotional state. Few concepts illustrate this better than tilt.
Tilt is responsible for countless blown sessions, early tournament exits, unnecessary bankroll damage, and talented players quitting the game altogether. Understanding what tilt is, why it happens, and how to control it is one of the most important steps a poker player can take toward long-term improvement.