Aggravation at the table

[kattboots]

While I was playing in a tourney today I found myself feeling just plain old aggravated by one player at the table... it did not matter what they did, whatever they did just made me grit my teeth.

Upon reflection I found that this is very often the case at any poker table I am playing at... always that one player that gets to me... It seems natural if it is the guy that keeps going all-in with nothing in his hand, but it does not have to be that person... it could be the guy that has to call others donkeys or worse every time they lose a hand... or just they way they bet...

So, I don't like this happening and will have to work on it. Sometimes it affects my game in a bad way and I find myself playing badly out of frustration. What I want to know is if any of you have had this happen? How do you deal with it? Any pointers to help me keep my cool when I find myself feeling like this?

katt

[medtrans]

They all usually aggravate me.   

medtrans

[blueday]

I know exactly what you mean Katt. Sounds as though you are "tilting" but for a different reason than a bad beat. 

You will be thinking about beating this person and knocking them out and if he or she is in a hand you may well be playing hands that you normally wouldn't play.

To get over this, write a note on the player about why they wind you up (the hands they play, all in every hand etc) or exactly what you think of them (even if it is rude).  Once you've done that, you might feel better and calm down a bit.   Don't get sucked in.  Open another table in the same tournament and watch some play on there when you are not in a hand but do keep an eye on the table you are playing in (for note purposes).  Make some notes on the chip leader if you can....anything to divert your attention away from this player. 

blue

[kattboots]

Excellent advice blue! They do suck me into hands, but sometimes I will just fold a decent hand rather than play the hand with them... just depends on what it is they are doing that is aggravating... but yes, writing it in a note is a good idea... oh heck I was just thinking that at Bovada I will not know that same person is in another game with me because we are anonymous numbers... How can I be aggravated by a number?

katt

[blueday]

how indeed can you be aggravated by a number!

So no note writing at Bovada - that is very unfortunate.  You will have to just do as you already said, don't play a hand if the aggravating person is in the hand.  Easy to say but hard to do.

blue