What Poker Image To Maintain
- Filed under: Casinos
- Date: Aug 18,2010
The average poker player would not understand that at any point during a game they are projecting a certain image to other players. They do not know that they even need to project a certain controlled type of image. Or worse, in order to avoid the projection of any semblance of meaningful communication, they disguise themselves by wearing various articles to cover their faces entirely.
But unless they completely disappear – did Welles’s invisible man play poker? – they will always project just enough information for good players to exploit. They are not only likely to attract other and better skilled silent scarecrows similar to themselves, but they are also likely to scare away those players who would otherwise constitute the bulk of their regular income.
A neutral expression does not make you difficult to observe. Well-managed communication with opponents, if properly done, will give a much better result than holding on to that blank, wordless image. Blankness is undoubtedly a sign of frailty rather than robustness.
If it is a retreat from controlled active participation, it is always a weakness (the alternative is not hyperactivity, but balanced calculated manipulation). Moreover, these players probably do not suspect that for the skilled opponent they probably still have tells of one type or another somewhere about their inevitably, even if reluctantly, living breathing person.
A non-serious player will look for a table where folks seem to be having fun. They will cruise around the room until they stumble upon the table with laughing friendly players gathered around. They are not looking for a serious game but for some fun and so a potential opponent’s skills are not a priority.
For the career player, these fun seeking amateurs are his bread and butter and he will cater to their every whim. The wise player knows that these good time amateurs are where his earnings originate and will encourage them to stay and play by being a witty raconteur while emptying their wallets. A not-so-great but happy player will linger at an amusing table, risk more and lose more while always in a good mood. This professional’s dream player would not go near a table manned with stone cold zombies.
A good conversation and a sense of humor combined with a slightly flattering play which keeps the amateur trusting he has a chance will increase the chances of that player coming back for more next time, perhaps even specifically seeking out your table. Since they do not play for the money or the excitement of high stakes, they will not regret as much having lost to an entertaining player.
By keeping weaker opponents in a fun frame of mind, you encourage their high hopes of lady luck finding her way to them. Lady luck will visit occasionally and turn them into frequent players and attract still more fun-loving amateurs to the table. If you display a cold attitude, they will leave.
The best professionals are aware that they project an image and so are cautious as to what that image is at any given time. They have created an image to add to their interests, not to shun others. They have learned their superior technique through experience and have learned to manipulate the game to their advantage by creating a persona that establishes a positive environment in which everyone wants to join in including the heedless, fun-loving victim.
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