Tips on how to not get angry while playing?

[NefariousShyGuy]

Whenever I play For Glory and I'm mocked by players who are better than me (taunting, troll moves, etc), I start to get angry and play worse. Any tips on how to not get angry while playing? This is probably my biggest weakness.

 

[GhostUrsa]

Deep breathing, meditation between matches and practice.

Deep breathing is considered the basics of meditation, as the extra oxygen will help keep your heart rate at a more comfortable range. If you find yourself holding your breath during the match when things are tense, you'll want to practice not doing that. You're speeding up your heart rate, which increases agitation.

Meditation can help calm the mind and return you to a neutral state, much like we need to during the match with our characters. I've learned some meditation techniques that with practice I can use in the minute between matches to help calm myself, which as a defensive character is a necessity to keep up with my opponent.

Practice will help, as you'll be more experienced with what can be done against you by the different characters and you'll have less surprises that will startle you. As you become more comfortable with your character and how others approach fighting him/her, you'll be able to keep your calm more when things get tense since the unknown isn't a factor in the tension.

Fighting games aren't just about beating the character on the screen, but has more to do with beating the person that is controlling that character. If you are getting mad, then they are winning. Remember that it is a game, as your mentality going in will also effect how easy it will be to 'ruffle your feathers'.

 

[Wintropy]

Simple answer? Don't get upset. People will sense your salt and use it to their advantage, intentionally attempting to psych you out. It's arguably poor sportsmanship, but it's a legitimate tactic, and it's something you need to overcome.

Remind yourself that it's all a bit of fun. Win or lose, you're still improving in your own way.

 

[PCHU]

Fireball to no end.
You're Mario, so use that to your advantage -- shut down whatever projectile game they have with your cape and assert dominance.
When I get mad or whatever, I just focus on not getting hit.
Not exactly avoiding all contact because that's just lame, but I focus on spacing well enough for me to regain my thoughts, and then I go back in fully when I feel better.

 

[Karinole]

Eat before playing. I tend to tilt less when I have food in my stomach. Also, learn to laugh at the game more and you'll have a better time.

 

[Tino]

Listen to music and relax. That keeps me motivated when I play...even though I never get too much salt.

 

[SwoodGrommet]

When I play Smash, I notice that the things that annoy me the most are character sound effects. I'm looking at you Pikachu, Ness and Mario. So recently I've started listening to music whilst playing, so I don't have to put up with that. Also, just don't let yourself get mad. Force yourself not to take the game so seriously.

 

[Roll-Spamming-Peasant]

This sounds insane in text form, but I kinda don't allow them to take credit for their win. In my head, I'm telling myself "they only won because of _____ mistake, don't do that again." It takes the focus off of the opponent beating you and gets you to learn how analyze your opponent. By doing so, you'll also be able to rationalize defeat better, and be an overall less salty player.


...but that's just my theory.

 

[dahuterschuter]

Always win.

 

[ndayday]

This sounds insane in text form, but I kinda don't allow them to take credit for their win. In my head, I'm telling myself "they only won because of _____ mistake, don't do that again." It takes the focus off of the opponent beating you and gets you to learn how analyze your opponent. By doing so, you'll also be able to rationalize defeat better, and be an overall less salty player.


...but that's just my theory.

this is good advice, mainly because I think it's important to identify what you're getting upset about. when you finish a game don't be "that is cheap" or "Sonic shouldn't be in Smash" instead learn from what you're losing to. if you can turn your loss into a positive thing (learning) then it's not so much about the outcome.
Also realize that you're playing online, for not money, on your couch all comfy. you losing or winning doesn't really make a difference except for ego, right?

you can also be a hippie I guess

 

[abx]

Whenever I am getting upset about loosing I stop playing. Like, for some hours or the rest of the day. It takes a bit to pause yourself and to realize that you're upset, stopping still is a good solution. You could play something else less frustrating if you need to beat some time.

 

[Nexin]

Learn to laugh at your mistakes. It's easier said than done, but it helps to reduce stress greatly.

For example, say you lost a match because you screwed up your recovery which resulted in an SD, and your opponent taunted you for it. Instead of focusing on your opponent's actions, focus on your own actions. I recommend even having a tag that says "oops" on hand just for the times that it happens.

The point is, there are always going to be people who taunt online, but if you get upset every time it occurs, you are just going to become miserable. The skill to consistently take your losses with a smile is hard to acquire, but if you force yourself to do that, it become much more natural after some time passes.

 

[Purin a.k.a. José]

Git gud.... lol nope
First off, don't get mad. It's just a game and if your opponents want to annoy you, they are doing it right. Secondly, look at how you play. Maybe you are doing obvious things that make you too open. Third, look at what are they doing and try to counter it. Forth, have fun!

 

[Wintropy]

I recommend even having a tag that says "oops" on hand just for the times that it happens.

I actually have a "WHOOPS!" tag, and I can confirm that it's a great stress reliever. It also helps to remind you that it's just a game and nothing to get upset about!

 

[Sean²]

Don't be stubborn when fighting trollish players. I know you want to show them up but if they manage to rustle some jimmies, then they're getting the edge on you. If they are upsetting then don't be afraid to leave.

Short breaks between sets also helps calm the nerves. Get some fresh air. Anything to relax and clear your mind.

 

[SmasherP83]

I remember back on 3DS I would always get mad at a dumb mistake I made or the opponent taunting, same happened when I got the Wii U version...But then it hit me...Why am I getting mad over all these small stuff!? From that day forward I seem to have a better time enjoying For Glory despite the spammers and such. I'm totally gonna make me a "whoops" tag I think it'll make me lose some salt whenever the time comes when I get salty again.

 

[Pikalink]

I used to yell... a lot. I still do but not as often. I recommend getting something to release your anger on. Like a squishball, a pillow or for me my small stylus that I focus on during the match. Its better than yelling or getting mad at you opponent.
Its also good to save the replay to see what you're getting mad at. Its like learning more about yourself.

 

[kirby3021]

Check out this Reddit article. It helped me.

http://www.reddit.com/r/smashbros/comments/2iclh2/new_players_my_humble_guide_on_how_to_enjoy/

 

[Turrin]

I just remind myself that winning every time doesn't matter as much as simply getting better at the game. Divert your anger by honestly asking yourself what you learned from the match.
You gain from every match by learning, no matter if you win or lose.