Your Poker Image And Which One You Should Keep

• Author: Thomas Kearns
• Filed under: Poker
• Date: Feb 8,2010

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.

Yet they are not invisible and they will always project some kind of persona and divulge enough information for the good player to decipher and use. What they are really doing is attracting better players than themselves to the table and detracting the lamer players that they could actually win money 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.

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.

Vibrant conversation and good humor with a few compliments on other’s good play will earn the expert their trust and keep the amateurs coming back to the table. They are not in the game for money or the rush of adrenaline in a high stakes game. Having a good time is their priority. Losing a little in the meantime is not a problem as long as they are being adequately entertained.

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.

The author is a successful limit cash game player. He plays poker online and receives Rakeback at Betfair Poker and Rakeback at Red Star Poker.

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