I think I am on a sort of perma tilt. I feel like I am really pressing to win, caused by my dissapointing results at the $50 tables so far. Of course this pressing just makes things worse. I am completely lost when playing now.

Anyone dela with something similar? Thoughts?

I wish I knew of something to help you with perma tilt. I don't...but here is something else that I hope will help?

I have a suggestion that you might try for the $50 tables. Let me explain:
I've been watching my brother play both the $25 and the $50 tables on Empire recently. I haven't played them myself, but have experienced it rather objectively on the sideline. He had been playing on the $25 tables for a while and just recently moved up. Watching him, I have noticed a big difference in the quality of play on the $50 tables compared to the $25. People are more aware of their oppenents, there aren't as many crazy calling stations (though still enough), bluffs are better excuted, and on the whole the play is much better...which means you have to rely much more on reads and instinct.

My suggestion for you Blade is not to play 4 tables at a time on the $50's. Try just playing 2 and see how it goes. I think you are much better then the oppostion, but aren't giving yourself a chance to use your poker instincts. In my experience, playing just 3 tables will make me lose my huge edge. I can't even imagine 4 tables.

I know you are one of the tightest players on Empire/Party. You told me yourself and that's cool. However, the move to the next level may require some loosing up. If you decide to try my advice and "only" play two tables, you should play more hands in late position. You will be able to concentrate on each unique hand without the concern of 3 other tables beeping. This will give you the chance to outclass the competetion. There would def. be a period of adjustment here, but I'm postive you could handle it in stride.

The play on the $25 tables is so utterly bad that cards are the most important factor. If you hold the cards, you will be a long-term winner... plain and simple. Though I do think cards are still the most important factor on the $50 tables (from what I've seen), reads do become vastly more important.

I play on the $100 tables currently. At this level on Empire/Party, I believe reads and position are much more important then the cards you hold. Selective agression is also key to turn in a few more dollars a night, which adds up rather quickly.

I'm not even certain If you're still playing 4 tables at a time anymore. I haven't talked to you in a while so I'm not sure. If you aren't, ignore my endless banter except for the loosing up in LP part Anyway, that's the best advice I can think of to give you.To start working more on reads and outplaying the "ok" players, since there are less calling stations. Try my advice if you like. Hopefully my brother Stapher will respond to this too, so he can tell us about his play and his experience with the varying opponents of $25/$50 tables.

btw... if i come off sounding arrogant in this post, i do not mean to. just trying to help a friend.

Blade-

Know just what your going thru - I recentally moved up limits myself and during the first few months I was on perma tilt also - This happened due to some just horrid beats (AA vs Q2 and losing all in preflop - fun stuff like that) and some horrid play on my part. Kenny G has a good point - play only one or two tables for a little bit - then you start to get better - you are a skilled player and will beat it. Also one of your issues could be the $$, it was harder for me to make and call big bets when I moved up - Try to remember that and do not play with scared money. Also you might try to have one table of each limit open and play that way - I do this quite a bit. Remember, you can beat the game, you are good enough - it just takes some time IMHO.

I found that when I moved from .25/.50 NL to .50/1.00 NL that people were actually looser then on the .25/.50 tables (And a few better players) - they would bluff MUCH more because of the stack sizes (pushing all in with 44 in the BB for example). I found myself being pushed arround - I stll get pushed arround sometimes but not as much as before and am now playing winning poker at this limit (Still not great - but winning and getting better each day)

Good Luck.