While playing poker at a high level, it's equally important
to pay attention to the hands you're not in along with the ones you are.
Poker is, of course, a very difficult game. To be successful
requires high-level thought processes, attention to detail and strict
discipline. And paying attention to the game you're in lets you pick up
tells being displayed by your opponents.
Finding a tell
is noticing a variance from a player's normal behavior. If you only pay
attention to other players while you're in a hand, then you'll have no
idea what's "normal" for said player going into the hand.
For
example, most players are aware of the strong threat a shaky hand
displays. But some players' hands shake no matter what they are holding marked cards.
You need to set a definition of "normal" for each player, and to do
this you need to be paying attention.
Potential Distractions
Live:
Poker rooms are full of distractions. TVs, music, crowds, chatty neighbors and scantily clad cocktail waitresses offering free drinks will all keep you from paying attention to the hands you're not in.
Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about any of these. Some
players wear headphones to cut out noise and unwanted conversation. The
best you can do is to train yourself to be disciplined.
Online:
Your
computer is full of applications designed to distract you. Blogs,
movies, music, messenger, video, e-mail and games are all one click
away. If you intend to play serious poker and make a living at the game,
you cannot afford to divide your attention.
Every mistake you
make on a poker table costs you money. No matter who you are, you're far
more likely to make a mistake if your attention is divided. Out of all
of these distractions, in my opinion online messengers are among the
worst. It takes considerable mental computing power to hold a decent
conversation.
So you have a choice: have decent conversations and
play cards like a chump, or play cards well and have useless chats with
friends. If your online convos are going to be one-word exchanges, then
you're not missing much by signing out.
Personal:
Your
body needs a lot of maintenance to keep it running well. If you deprive
it of what it needs to keep running smoothly, then it's going to affect
your game. You can't play top poker if you're hungry, exhausted, sick,
depressed, worried, drunk, high or need to use the washroom.
So be healthy, and do what you need to do. Just remember to wash your hands.
There
are some distractions that are unavoidable. Maybe a better man than me
can block out personal idols, movie stars or people who don't
understand the concept of personal hygiene.
The worst I've had to
deal with was a world-famous supermodel, who apparently had forgotten to
wear a shirt. Sometimes, you're just going to be distracted.
When
you find yourself in these situations, try to change tables or seats.
If you want to stay so you can talk to/look at the distraction, then
shut down your poker. Don't get yourself into any situations that will
require significant amounts of your attention.
If you're in a
tournament and therefore unable to change seats or tables, then you're
most likely not going to be able to afford to play on auto-pilot. All I
can offer is "Good luck," and if you can't get the supermodel's chips,
at least get her digits.
Using Distractions to Your Advantage
Once
you have a handle on yourself, and are able to block out any
distractions that might affect your game, then it's in your best
interest to bring as many distractions to the table as you can. The
majority of players are undisciplined and therefore easily distracted marked cards contact lenses;
use this to your advantage. Get TVs turned toward your table.
• Change the TV channel to something of interest to the players at the table. I recommend sporting events.
• Keep waitresses coming to the table; order a lot of (non-alcoholic) drinks.
• Eat good-smelling food at the table.
•
Bring up topics of discussion to start heated debates or conversations
that will continue without your involvement. I recommend politics.
• Get really involved and exuberant about all-ins to draw a crowd to your table.
I've
been known to bring a portable video device to the table with me and
start up some video of questionable moral integrity. By allowing a few
other players to see the screen, the whole table will become engulfed
into watching the video.
This tactic has worked so well that the
players would all crowd around one seat to watch. Not only does this
mean they'll have completely forgotten about poker, but it will
definitely draw a crowd.
I'm not saying you should do something
as ridiculous as this; it's just an example of some creative thinking at
work. You're a poker player - figure out what would distract you from
your game, and bring that to the table with you.
Never be
offensive or disrespectful. Follow the rules of the poker room and keep
people having a good time. If you can follow those rules, and keep other
players distracted, while focusing on the game yourself, you'll see a
significant increase in your overall profits.
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