Lesson 2
Variance & Tilt
Why you lose even when you play perfectly.
Variance is the luck element of poker. You can put your money in with a 98% chance to win, and still lose.
Tilt is the emotional reaction to bad variance (anger, frustration, playing badly).
"You cannot control the cards. You can only control your decisions."
Key Takeaways
- • Focus on 'Decisions', not 'Results'.
- • If you played it right and lost, be happy.
- • Take a break if you feel angry.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- • Chasing losses (playing higher stakes to win back money).
- • Blaming the dealer or 'rigged' sites.
Worked Example
You (All In)
82% Favorite
Opponent (All In)
18% Underdog
You have Aces. They have 2s. You get it all-in Preflop. The board comes 2-5-9-J-K. They hit a set of 2s and win.
This is not a mistake. It is just Variance. Smile and reload.
This is not a mistake. It is just Variance. Smile and reload.
Knowledge Check
Test your understanding to complete this lesson.
Question 1 of 2