Tilt and Steamy?

Do these do anything or are they just for effect?

possibly a bit of both.

in theory if one of the players is a bit steamed, they're more likely to act irrationally.
maybe fold a great hand or go all in on nothing.

tilt? hmmm someone else may need to help me with that one

It may have some effect on the player, but its best just to ignore it and play as if they are normal. Just because he is steamed doesnt mean he has bad cards. Keep playing smart and dont press mediocre hands....ever.

I still like this game, but I've only gotten the horse and moved to another town once, then had to go back and sell stuff to keep playing, then lost it all and had to restart. I think I've had to restart at least 10 times...I guess I just really suck at poker, but I still like it!

Hi Cyre, I have managed to finish this twice so far, if you have a hand that is the least bit dodgy, fold and let everyone else lose there money.

Steamy means that they are starting to play hands they they probably should not!
Tilt will cause them to play really really bad hands they should not play!
Remember that although they go in with a real bad hand they can win that hand. That means you played might have gone in With two Aces and lost anyway that might get you on tilt

About Steamy Status: Your adversary is more likely to go all-in or bet high even if he has nothing on his hands.
About TILT Status: It is nearly the same as Steamy, but now he's so pissed he'll probably play any cash you bet.

How to take the best use of them:
~ First of all, get to know your opponent. Study how he plays, when does he fold, if he bets when he has nothing, etc.
~ Once you get him/her to a Steamy or TILT Status, pray that you have at least a moderate hand. Don't try to scare you opponet with small bets. He's more likely to pay/raise them, and you would be doomed if your hand sucked.
~ If you have him/her TILTed or Steamy AND you have a considerable hand, don't bet low. Specially if the opponent is TILTed. There is a great chance that the adversary will pay your bet up, playing irrationaly, and you can get the opponent BUSTED in no time.
~ If you don't trust the hand you've got, let's use a pair of fours as an example, well, play your game normally, nice and smooth, and just ignore the status your opponent has.

~ ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just because he's TILTed or Steamy, doesn't mean he's got a bad hand, alright? ^_~
Play your game with your head, always. That's the main tip anyone could give you on poker. Use your HEAD. =)

This post is already too long... Time for me to go back into playing my Governor of Poker already!

Good luck everyone,
Good game everyone,
Keep it cool and don't cheat!!

Hugs,
Abhuyl.

Hope I could be helpful. =p