Don't Be the Fish at the Poker Table
Some Tips for Gamblers
I just finished watching the World Series of Poker, and I learned some valuable tips. If I ever sat down at a table full of pros, I would definitely be the easiest target, or as professionals would say, the "fish". But here are some tips to make it less obvious that I'm the sucker at the table.
1. Don't look at your cards as soon as they are dealt. This makes you look too anxious. Wait a few seconds...or even better, wait until it's your turn to call. You don't want to look over-eager. Plus, doing this will keep you from sweating while the other players make their decisions.
2. Be careful with your chips. Don't knock them over, don't play with them, don't try to line up the white lines and make the stacks even. And for God's sake, don't try to build things with them like they are a set of blocks. If you can't shuffle them like the pros, don't try.
3. Be yourself. Don't try to imitate Phil Helmuth or Daniel Negrano. Don't bring an orange to the table to be like Johnny Chan. Don't wear a cowboy hat to imitate Chris Ferguson or Doyle Brunson. Just be yourself.
4. Don't play the role of the sucker. Don't wear a "fish" hat. Don't wear a t-shirt that says, "I'm just happy to be here." In fact, don't wear anything that has to do with poker unless it's an advertisement for a poker site. Don't walk around talking about how excited you are. Don't talk to too many people...you are bound to give yourself away if you do.
5. Don't get overly excited when you see a celebrity poker player. Don't run up to Phil Ivey asking for his autograph. Treat them like normal people because that's what they are. If you treat them like gods, they will gladly take your money at the table, and you have helped them do it.
These are just a few tips that might help you last a little longer at the tables. They probably won't save you. Here is one more rule of thumb. If you are sitting down at the table, looking around, trying to spot the fish and you don't see him, ask yourself one question. Am I the fish? Odds are, you are. Don't expect too much; if you are the "fish" at the table, you are most likely going to be caught.
Published by A.B. Long
I am 28 years old, and I teach middle and high school English in South Carolina. I have a B.A. in English from North Greenville University. I love my job as an eduator, but it deifinitely requires some tim... View profile
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5 Comments
Post a CommentWhen I was reading this article in what makes a fish I wanted to know if they make too many calls with weak hands? Do they play scared and fold too many winning hands? Do they attempt too many bluffs? Not wheather they line up the lines on their chips, if they ask for autoghaphs. Allthough by not looking at your cards right away you are less likely to give out information.
Not one thing you mentioned explain how a player loses chips. Who cares if they line up the lines on their chips - does this mean they'll lose their chips? And if I ask for Phil Ivey's autograph if I'm sitting at a table with him I'm still going to act weak if I floped quads.
I would like to respond to Warren's comment. Please excuse me for the misspelled name. Spelling is not my strong suit. As for the rest of the article, if you read, it says that I got those tips from the World Series. I realize that you won't see this since you won't read my articles, but I remember writing this one after watching the tourney. These tips are a a summation of advice that was given by these FAMOUS pros. I will admit that I have never played in the World Series, and I probably never will, but I have played in several smaller tournaments, and I stand by the advice given in this article.
Don't listen to this article : anyone that doesn't double check spelling on FAMOUS pro players shouldn't be read: "Negrano" (Try Negreanu) Don't play with your chips ? why because you have a lot to do when you are card dead. Watching a tourney and participating is one thing.
Don't comment what you don't know. I won't be visiting this site, don't listen to bad advice.
"Fish" or "Pigeon", two words that mean the same thing!