Global Sports: Which of Your Poker Images Should You Hang on to?

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Which of Your Poker Images Should You Hang on to?

By Thomas Kearns


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.

These players are not invisible and they will give out sufficient information for the experts to pounce on. Their very image of non-imageness will draw more highly skilled players towards them because the pros sense an amateur here. Not only that, but they may be frightening off the less skilled players, the very ones they want to profit from.

To become utterly neutral is not the same as to become beyond observation. Active controlled communication with opponents, when managed correctly, is likely to yield much better result than a blank attitude. A blank attitude is most probably, in most cases, a sign of weakness rather than of sense or strength.

Any retreat from active involvement is always a weakness. These blank-faced players do not know that to the expert opponent they still have tells of some kind to divulge at some point or other during a game. They are human after all.

The amateur will drift toward a table full of people having fun. The non-professional is out for a good time, poker is not his career. They will actively search out the good-time table where players are relaxed and welcoming. They are not concerned with their fellow players skill levels.

On the other hand, those that play poker as a profession are also looking for that table of good time Charlies. Nothing like a bunch of fun loving amateurs to whet the pros appetite for the game. The laughing amateur will linger at the table as long as he has having fun and may not even notice he is losing his shirt. He will not play with a bunch of non-communicative, somber 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.

Players in a good mood, even though unskilled at the game, will remain hopeful that Lady Luck will smile upon them and will remain at the entertainers table. Luck will actually find its way to them on occasion and turn them into frequent players and attract more amateurs to the table.. The stony faced player of no emotion who is anything but fun to be around will not attract the amateur let alone keep him at the table.

World class poker players are aware that they are always projecting an image and so are ever-mindful of just what that image is. Their images are calculated to protect their interests, not to scare people away. This calculated manipulation of the game, beyond superior technique and skill, allows them to create a positive environment for their heedless victims.




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