It's A Communal Thing

Poker players come from all walks of life. The game is played around the globe and its players are as varied as the human race. I’ve met some great people at the poker table. Then again, I’ve met others I wish I’d never encountered. Over the years I’ve played with all sorts of characters, from murderers to major company CEOs, the incredibly rich and talented to the mentally ill compulsive gambler, and of course, those who hustle them all. The game of poker is a great equalizer, only skill and luck separate the players. Who you are and where you came from matters nothing to the cards.

People play poker for various reasons. Some enjoy the challenge, wanting to become king of their hill, if only for a day or two. This psychological need is much stronger (and more destructive) in a small number of other players. They need to become king of the highest mountain and devote their lives to becoming number one. Of course, there is only room for one number one. These players endlessly flail away to their ultimately inevitable let-down.

Others play strictly for recreation. They like games and enjoy interacting with other people. It’s fun for them and if it costs them money to participate, they’re OK with that. Of course, like all of us, they’d rather win.

Some players are all business and play strictly for the money. That said, not nearly as many who state that profits are as their only reason really mean it. Many state to their friends and family that they are competing solely for the money when in fact, other personal or psychological concealed motives apply. There is much deception in the world of poker, both in players deceiving others and deceiving themselves.

Wherever money changes hands, there are those who look for every angle to acquire it. True in the stock market, true in business, and true in poker. Hustle is a major part of our poker game. Conversely, there are those who can get very dark emotionally when being separated from their money. Some control their emotions; others either cannot do it or don’t care enough to even try.

Some players’ behavior gets pretty repulsive, rudely criticizing, needling, and berating players at the table. At times, they do it to put their opponents on “tilt.” But mostly it is an emotional reaction, taken to express their anger at the players who beat them.

They let their narcissistic impulses control their behavior. Similarly, some convey their emotional childishness by blaming the dealer to shift the responsibility for their losses away from themselves.

Even when this behavior has short-term benefits by psychologically affecting those berated, it has huge long-term downside effects. The recreational players, the economic heart of poker, are there to enjoy the game’s challenge and sociability. They aren’t there to listen to your condescending remarks. And if they aren’t enjoying themselves, they’ll likely spend their time and recreational dollars somewhere else. Lose the recreational players and your game will end up consisting of the compulsive gamblers and those looking to grind out their rent money. Not an enjoyable or profitable way to spend your life.

The good news is that there are many classy people in the poker world. With some, it is just good salesmanship to hustle live ones into the game, though most players are naturally polite and respectful people who enjoy the game and want to keep it enjoyable. These personable players, with their sociability, make the game a better place to be, both personally and professionally.

Poker players need to be mindful of what is good for the game and what isn’t. Being respectful and friendly goes a long way. It’s easy! And it doesn’t cost a cent. It’s the demeanor of the socially respectful person you should want to be. And, it is in your best interests both personally and financially. Chasing players out of the game is both bad manners and bad business.

So, don’t criticize your opponents. Yeah, it’s frustrating when someone hits a long shot draw against you. But you need to control your emotions, both for your sake and the game’s. You’re not improving your poker proficiency by getting infuriated and nasty. And you’re not making the game any better with your arrogant behavior. If your opponents weren’t attempting those long shots, poker would be a mighty tough game to beat. And what exactly are you trying to accomplish with your condescending criticism? Do you want to drive them from the game? Do you want them to play better? The stupid one is you!

It is my belief that as humans all stranded here on the same planet, we have an obligation to be respectful and courteous to each other. Or at least until our rights are infringed upon. If we all acted in this manner at the tables, the poker world would be a much better place. It would be larger, with more players enjoying the game, the games would be of higher quality, both personally and actionwise. Good players would make more money as well as spending their lives in a much better and healthier environment.

Poker can be a great way to spend your time. It’s challenging and fun. You’ll learn from others, growing in many differing ways from the interactions you’ll experience at the table. Take the time and make the effort to make poker’s potential the best it can be, for you and everyone else. If we all do it, we will all gain.
Play with class! ♠

Roy Cooke played poker professionally for 16 years prior to becoming a successful Las Vegas Real Estate Broker/Salesman in 1989. Should you wish to any information about Real Estate matters-including purchase, sale or mortgage his office number is 702-396-6575 or Roy’s e-mail is [email protected]. His website is www.roycooke.com. You can also find him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @RealRoyCooke.