Poker term: Tilt Tilt is a poker term used to describe a mental or emotional state of confusion and frustration experienced by a player. It often results in adopting suboptimal strategies, which can lead to significant losses in poker games. This state of tilt can occur due to a multitude of factors, such as poor card draw, frequent losses, or even personal life stressors. For professional poker players like me, it's crucial to recognize and manage our tilt. For instance, I experienced a real tilt when I played poker in 2017. I was quite skilled, but I couldn't avoid a negative tilt that affected my overall gameplay. In strategic video games, tilt is also becoming a key factor. Poker is seen as a hybrid genre between games and the real world, with its psychological and emotional complexity making it stand out from traditional games like chess. The concept of "tilt" starts with the poker world but is now making its way into other strategic games. It's important to keep mental health in check while playing poker or any other game, as the tilt can not only affect an individual's gameplay but can also have adverse effects on a player's overall well-being. Moreover, to deal with tilt effectively, a player must know their triggers. Some common triggers for tilt include feeling discouraged, making multiple mistakes in a short period, or being distracted by external factors. Understanding these triggers allows one to take preventative measures, such as taking a break or refocusing one's attention back on the game. In conclusion, tilt is a critical factor to consider when discussing the world of poker. For both new and experienced players, it's essential to learn how to manage and overcome it to gain a competitive edge and ensure a healthier, more fulfilling poker experience. Recognizing and understanding the effects of tilt, as well as creating an individualized strategy to combat it, will help poker players thrive and enjoy the strategic complexity of this beloved game.