It seems that many serious players in poker, in trying perhaps to project a minimum of tells, project a kind of moody, somber, or even sinister effect, sunglasses and sun-visors sealing off unshaven faces as if they had a pair of six-shooters under the table. One wonders whether they know what exactly they are trying to gain or whether they simply underestimate the influence of appearance on their own game and on the players around them.
There has to be some reason for their intimidating, arrogant persona. They may be attempting to confuse and frighten their opponents, to keep them from challenging their play (and wallets). Or it may be they have taken on this image because they lack the wit to come up with any other. If you truly are a sinister intimidating bully, then this persona may work for you. Most who try to pull this off look like they themselves are scared and have gone into hiding.
The player should consider the image they are actually projecting around a poker table. If they were to seriously look at the schoolyard bully persona they choose to project, they would see that while it may work on some of their victims, most of the really ripe ones will be totally deterred from playing with such a dour, frightening type. In other words instead of attracting valid prey that could actually add to their coffers, they are encouraging them to run the other way.
It the first place, it may attract the rare professional player who is actually naturally moody and dark to an extent which may intimidate you. After a few such uncomfortable encounters you may find it difficult to get rid of these grim reapers who - with cynical glee - sense in you the weaker prey and grimly reap the rewards. Subsequent games might then grow unnecessarily complicated by your suspicions of how serious some of the sulky opponents at the table actually are.
It may also prove untrue that behind that impassive faade you are concentrating on the game more intensely then the rest, since, as it were, you don't have to do much except keep the shades on. The truth, however, is that for the mind - which is precisely what poker is about - there is no such thing as an impassive faade. If the sulky persona does not come naturally to you, but is the result of your inability or fear to try more conversational and cheery images, your mind is actually hard at work suppressing those reactions more essential to you.
Poker does require the ability to act at times, such as when bluffing. The good player will adopt an image that is closer to who they really are, though. If you are not naturally gregarious, you may want to practice becoming more so to better enjoy the game and keep focused on it rather than sprucing up your act.
It takes too much concentration to hold on to a persona that is not at all natural to you. It's like playing from a locked cage or straightjacket. Your focus will be scattered and your game will lack that robust quality.
While a costume of big shades, big hats, and big coats in a darkened poker den may appear to require less effort, for the professional player, it is better to show more of yourself. It takes less time and energy, but you just may become the poker player you always envisioned you could be.
There has to be some reason for their intimidating, arrogant persona. They may be attempting to confuse and frighten their opponents, to keep them from challenging their play (and wallets). Or it may be they have taken on this image because they lack the wit to come up with any other. If you truly are a sinister intimidating bully, then this persona may work for you. Most who try to pull this off look like they themselves are scared and have gone into hiding.
The player should consider the image they are actually projecting around a poker table. If they were to seriously look at the schoolyard bully persona they choose to project, they would see that while it may work on some of their victims, most of the really ripe ones will be totally deterred from playing with such a dour, frightening type. In other words instead of attracting valid prey that could actually add to their coffers, they are encouraging them to run the other way.
It the first place, it may attract the rare professional player who is actually naturally moody and dark to an extent which may intimidate you. After a few such uncomfortable encounters you may find it difficult to get rid of these grim reapers who - with cynical glee - sense in you the weaker prey and grimly reap the rewards. Subsequent games might then grow unnecessarily complicated by your suspicions of how serious some of the sulky opponents at the table actually are.
It may also prove untrue that behind that impassive faade you are concentrating on the game more intensely then the rest, since, as it were, you don't have to do much except keep the shades on. The truth, however, is that for the mind - which is precisely what poker is about - there is no such thing as an impassive faade. If the sulky persona does not come naturally to you, but is the result of your inability or fear to try more conversational and cheery images, your mind is actually hard at work suppressing those reactions more essential to you.
Poker does require the ability to act at times, such as when bluffing. The good player will adopt an image that is closer to who they really are, though. If you are not naturally gregarious, you may want to practice becoming more so to better enjoy the game and keep focused on it rather than sprucing up your act.
It takes too much concentration to hold on to a persona that is not at all natural to you. It's like playing from a locked cage or straightjacket. Your focus will be scattered and your game will lack that robust quality.
While a costume of big shades, big hats, and big coats in a darkened poker den may appear to require less effort, for the professional player, it is better to show more of yourself. It takes less time and energy, but you just may become the poker player you always envisioned you could be.
About the Author:
The author is a successful limit cash game player. He plays poker online and receives Betfair Rakeback and Players Only Rakeback.
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