Tip #40 - Don't play when emotionally unstable

Emotional stability is crucial for making rational decisions in poker. Playing while experiencing strong emotions - whether positive or negative - can lead to poor choices and significant losses. Many players underestimate how much their emotional state affects their decision-making ability.

Signs of emotional instability affecting your game:

• Making decisions based on feelings rather than logic
• Playing hands you normally wouldn't play
• Increasing bet sizes out of frustration
• Chasing losses aggressively
• Feeling unusually anxious or euphoric at the table

Problems caused by emotional play:

• Deviation from proven strategies
• Increased likelihood of tilt
• Poor bankroll management decisions
• Inability to think clearly about odds and probabilities
• Making revenge plays against specific opponents

Guidelines for emotional control:

• Take breaks after significant wins or losses
• Establish stop-loss limits before playing
• Practice meditation or breathing exercises
• Keep a poker journal to track emotional patterns
• Step away when emotions start affecting decisions

As Doyle Brunson once said, "Poker is a game of people, played by people, and your ability to control your emotions and read others' emotions is crucial." Your emotional state directly impacts your decision-making ability. If you're experiencing strong emotions, it's better to step away from the game until you can approach it with a clear and balanced mindset.