How can you tell tilting from ordinary bumming?

I am just so emotionally tired right now from getting speared every time I sit down.

note: not mentally tired -- I feel like I'm making the right calls and thinking quickly. I know that my level of play will make money over the long term. But Emotionally tired. Pessimistic about whether the long term will ever get here.

For example, here's the latest news -- this isn't a bad beat story or anything, so bear with me.

I get KK on the button and raise like a good boy. Sure enough I flop a third K. And bet and get a caller. On the turn, the board pairs threes and now I'm more or less unbeatable. I go to put in a bet

And my computer is frozen. Jammed up. Reboot. Lose. That kind of thing.

This is emotionally tiring. Having waited for those kings. And folded kings many times when things weren't going well for them. etc.

Plus have I mentioned the freerolls?

To me anything other than calm and level-headed puts your play at jepordy. Including, tilting, tired, drunk, sleepy, depressed, pessimistic, etc. Personally, I try and not get affected by any one-hand or string of hands and look towards my weekly profit for satisfaction. Although, If I have a bad week then thats a bit more fustrating since maybe theres a hidden leak in my play.

Also if poker is becoming more aggravating then usual (preceived getting beat or bad string of cards), I would give it up for a week until you feel that "urge" to play again. No need to force yourself in doing something if its not overall enjoyable.

The simpliest description of Tilt I've ever heard.

Making a call you know you shouldn't make.

the moment you actually feel like 'gambling' you're on tilt.

Very nice, succinct descriptions of tilt.

I do exactly as Krapp described. Once I feel tentative about playing poker cuz I know that bad beat around the corner is going to make me go crazy, or dread the grind I'm about to face, that's when I know I need to take a few days or a week off.

This past month I've been eager to bring my game to the table, it feels different - it's more fun, I look forward to it, and the results are there.

Take a break.