Stopping Tilt: The Ultimate Guide from an experienced tilter
I'll win the next one.
I'll win the next one.
I'll win the next one.
I'll win the next two.
I'll win the next three.
No. No, you won't. We've all been there- sitting at a table with our computer, losing. Losing once. Losing twice. Losing three times. We sit there, next to helpless, as our rating plummets faster than a plane whose engines are on strike for fair pay.
I'm an experienced tilter myself. Tilt, for those who don't know, is a term for when you lose many chess games in a row, sending your rating deep into the wine cellar. I recently sunk from 1444 bullet down to 1313 in three hours, and 1220 in blitz to 1156 in 90 minutes. And as frustrating as tilt is, there are ways to handle it to prevent it from getting quite as bad as I let it get. Losing streaks are unavoidable- but tilt isn't. Here's how you can avoid tilt.
You must start by recognizing that you're tilting. Once you're tilting, it gets harder to win. Not only are you frustrated and impatient to get your rating back up, you get in your own head about your rating and play poorly. You don't play like YOU. You play like an anxious, nervous, agitated chess player. And nobody wants to be there.
So, how to avoid this bottomless pit? Recognize when you're tilting. There are a few different things to do once you recognize it, but you must understand the difference between a losing streak and tilt. A losing streak is when you blow a couple games in a row, get a bit frustrated, but get back on your horse. You stay determined and keep fighting. Tilt, however, is when that sense of fight and determination leaves your body and soul and there's nothing left to do but keep digging yourself deeper. You must recognize the difference.
My suggestion on that? Check in with yourself after every time you lose two games in a row. See how you feel. Are you frustrated? Angry? Lifeless? Or, are you determined to rise once again, play as hard as you ever have, and WIN? Understanding your mental state after losses is incredibly important. Don't underestimate its power. Below are some ways to go about the situation once you level with yourself, and confirm what you already suspect- you're in tilt mode.
1. Stop Playing
Nobody wants to do it. The instinct is there, no matter what your rating is, to press "new game" and get those rating points back. JUST GET THEM BACK!!! But, you're tilting and that most likely won't work. Shut the computer, get a snack. Go for a walk. Have a beverage. Meditate if you're a softy at heart like me. Whatever you do, just remember that you don't work your way out of tilt by playing. You do it by resisting the urge to play.
2. Play a different time control
Sometimes, even in a tilt, you REALLY don't want to stop playing. You're frustrated about your results, sure, but you still love chess. You want to keep playing it. You're locked in. In this situation, maybe it's time for you to try a different time control. While all time controls are technically "chess," each puts its very own spin on the beautiful game. This simple change can sometimes be just enough to get you back on track before you return to your original time control- ready to grind. Give it a shot.
3. Play a variant
This option's very similar to a different time control. Play a weird variant. One you don't play much and don't really care about. It will distract you- and that's just what you need in this moment. Might I suggest Horde? I'm SO BAD at it. I lose with the pieces and the pawns, almost every game. But it's quite the load of fun if I'm being honest. If you've never learned what Horde is, then you, my friend, are missing out. Learn about Horde here.
4. Talk to someone
No no, not a tilt counselor. To the best of my knowledge, they don't exist. (That'd be awesome though, I'd hire one in a heart beat!) But no, I mean talk to someone about something else. If someone's in the house with you, ask them a funny question. If you're alone, give a loved one a call. If you're me, talk at your confused dog hoping he'll respond this time. Man. The emotional depth of a wading pool. Anyway, don't forget, the idea is to get distracted. That's your key. Sometimes, another person is the best way to get something off your mind.
5. Learn a new opening
Sometimes, tilt can occur as a result of getting yourself stalemated (pun sort of intended) into employing the same opening tactics every game and slowly getting bored of the positions that come out of it, taking the edge off your play. For example, as black, I used to respond to 1. e4 almost exclusively with the Sicilian (1... c5). However, once I realized my lack of opening variety could be contributing to my tilting, I tried employing different openings like the Caro (1...c6), lines out of the Italian when my opponent allowed, and I even played the Alekhine's defense (1... Nf6) once. (The theorist in me despised every second of it, though.) The point is, change your game. When one thing isn't working, flip it upside down and try something new. sometimes, you need a change of scenery!
I hope these strategies can help you! Tilt is no fun. I sincerely pray you can overcome its wrath!! Remember- never give up and keep trying new things! Thanks for reading! (:
Bye until next time,
@hughienews
#saynotowar
#HappyNewYear2023
