Learning No-Limit From Scratch ­- The Best Play: Be a Good Ambassador for Our Game

It’s the Christmas season, the time of year that peace, harmony, and mutual respect are supposed to rule. And with most, they do, even at the poker table. Poker is a social game, one where we can all meet and compete as equals. But poker sometimes brings out the worst in even the best of people. I, like most poker players, do my best to win every chip I can, but it’s not personal; I really like most of the people I play poker with, though that doesn’t mean I don’t try to win their chips, neither does it mean I disrespect them.

Unfortunately, some players don’t see it that way. Some just get caught up emotionally in winning and losing their money, often money that is very meaningful to them. Their rude arrogance and/or bitterness shows, oftentimes because there’s no attempt to hide it. Poker on television highlights these types of actions to improve their ratings, and many in the poker world think those actions are fashionable to mimic. Others purposely try to aggravate their opponents in order to trigger bad plays in them. It can be effective in the short run, but in the long run it hurts the game badly. It makes the game a sour locale, and drives players from the game, especially the recreational ones who are poker’s economic heart.

We all get together for the common purpose of taking each other’s chips. It’s a fun thing for some, a job for others, with some a mixture between the two. All of us need to come together as a team and make the game more efficient and fun for all. It will be good for poker and make life better for all.

Losing, particularly when money is involved, brings out the worst in many people. We all have frustrating moments at the poker table, but there needs to be standards of behavior that promote the game. As human beings, we should all have a mutual level of respect for each other and not allow our behavior to cross respectful lines. If all players hold themselves and each other to high standards, it would dramatically improve poker and make it a more enjoyable experience for all, and the general poker economy would improve.

Help maintain the game in a sociable enjoyable atmosphere. Cheerful games are the best action and make the environment comfortable for the recreational player. It will also make the hours you spend playing more pleasurable. This concept needs to be applied to dealers and floorpeople also. As customers, we have the power to influence casino employees’ behavior with our tips. Tip those that respect the game and its players. And if they can’t do that, then, oh well!

Don’t criticize your opponents’ play. Yeah, it’s frustrating when you lose a big pot to minimal outs, but what exactly are you trying to accomplish here? Do you want them to play better, or would you rather they leave? It’s not only bad manners, it’s idiotic! You’re not only hurting yourself, but also the poker community.

Don’t be a constant whiner. Nobody cares about your bad luck. In reality, they’re probably really happy you’re not running well and taking their chips. The negativity will not only hurt your own mental game, it will also incite opponents to target you because you and they feel you’re unlucky. And you’re going to be distasteful to sit next to.

Forego the moves! It’s a fine line here of what is ethical or not, but overt cheap shots have no place in recreational poker games. Once again, they may have some short-term value, but in the long-run they damage poker image and run recreational players from the game.

Don’t unnecessarily slow the game down. You have a right to contemplate your decision, and I’m aware I’m not the swiftest player on the planet. But, I compensate that by also doing things to speed up the game. And to disrespect the other players in the game by needlessly slowing the game down is just being a jerk!

Don’t take your frustrations out on the dealer. Such actions help serve a bad image for poker. And what are you really doing? You’re pissed off that the wrong card came and want to take it out on someone who is defenseless? That speaks very loudly about who you are as a person!

Poker should have the same demeanor as golf, which is known as a gentleman’s game where honor is a characteristic. Sadly, poker has a detrimental image to many. And that impression badly hurts the game. It reduces the number of participants and lowers the overall poker economy. Experienced players need to take a leadership role at the table to counter the bad elements in the game. When they see incidents that portray a bad image to poker they need to counter the negativity. Ask the dealer to call the floor and take the pressure off the dealer to have to make the call. Speak up, do they right thing. Not just for poker, but for yourself.

It’s not just good for poker, it’s the right way to be as a person!

I’d like to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas and best wishes in the coming year. And remember where you came from, get back in touch with your family and old friends this holiday season! ♠

Roy Cooke played poker professionally for 16 years prior to becoming a successful Las Vegas Real Estate Broker/Salesman. Should you wish any information about Real Estate matters-including purchase, sale or mortgage his office number is 702-376-1515 or Roy’s e-mail is [email protected]. His website is www.RoyCooke.com. Roy’s blogs and poker tips are at www.RoyCookePokerlv.com. You can also find him on Facebook or Twitter @RealRoyCooke