The Red Mist...

We've all been there. Whether gambling, driving...listening to David Pleat's football commentary...we've all experienced moments of anger that influenced our decisions. In gambling and poker its known as going tilt, where the urge to win, to recover losses and anger at previous mistakes combine to bring down the red-mist. That manifests in players raising the ante or moving move all-in when one really shouldn't  (pair of pocket deuces, for example!) and generally losing that element of control necessary to win.

This isn't far removed from the feeling many casino players get after a series of unfortunate losses.  The skill elements of poker aren't as pronounced and therefore the level of self-blame is not as prevalent, but the feeling of the next big win must be just round the corner and the urge to recover losses still exist, and are such that casino players often end up losing more than they wanted to.

So, how to stop this from happening? Well, it's nothing revolutionary. In fact, the principles have been championed by various charities and even casinos for years. Take a break in between games, check your balance and play history, bet only what you can afford to lose, set bet or loss limits and learn to identify when that red-mist is starting to descend. A good online casino that allows you to customise your limits and check your play is Jackpot Games. Simply drop them a line and they will be able to set your limits so you play to your own personal rules not theirs.

Things that trigger the red-mist in me include the gamble option in video poker. Sometimes the best thing since sliced bread, sometimes the utter bane of my existence. Because it is pure gambling and the control lies with the player, when I get greedy and double one too many times and end up losing, the blame lies squarely with me, and me alone. That infuriates me when I know the game's are designed to make it difficult for me anyway. Another trigger is even money bets on roulette, when I somehow manage to repeatedly miss a fifty fifty chance.

Other than the responsible gaming advice mentioned earlier, my one tip to avoid tilt situations is to bet consistently in casino games. If you're betting on black, stay on black. If you play with the perfect pairs option in blackjack, keeping betting on perfect pairs. Avoid the "what if" situations that occur when the bet you've been backing happens the moment you stop betting on it, and the rage that can follow.

If you have any questions or you have something you want to add on this important subject, feel free to drop comments in below this. I think we would all enjoy and appreciate your advice.

All the best,

- The Pit Boss