Poker Face

Although anybody wishing to be a success in the world of poker will understand the need to maintain a certain level of ability for the game itself, the psychological side of the game can never be underestimated.

The mental edge that can be gained over opponents by giving little away about ones own strategy can often be the pathway to continued success. It seems very appropriate to point out that a table of professional players all seem to approach the game with something bordering on detachment.

It is this ability to appear impenetrable to other players that renders an illusion of being mentally unbeatable and some see these dynamic shows as an act of mental strength and agility. Having a ‘Poker Face’ is a serious acquisition to the tools of any player, and learning how to use it properly will yield fantastic results from even the trickiest of situations.

In reality, a Poker Face doesn’t start and finish with facial features. There are many ’tells’ that an experienced poker player can pick up on, particularly at times of high excitement or deep disappointment. In the modern game, a poker face is a full command of the relative science of body language and the secret is to simply give nothing away.

A poker face may even be betrayed by the way you talk. Your facial control and body language may be like stone, but the sharks will know exactly what that slightly high-pitched raise in your voice means and they’ll prey on it until they’ve cleaned you out.

Sometimes, talking is best avoided until you’re out of a hand or even out of the game altogether. Only the hardiest of players can maintain that distinct vocal control that gives nothing away. Sometimes, it’s simply better to let your cards do the talking!

Relaxation is key, and it’s important to remember that it’s only a game! Players that twitch because the stakes are high are normally the ones that are playing above their bankroll management limits. Always be comfortable with the level you are playing at. Wading in to big games or big pots can be amongst the critical errors that many players make.

It is better to be controlled in all aspects of your game including bankroll management. This keeps the mind clear and ultimately produces better standards of poker. Always keep your cool, and one of the biggest secret to keeping that poker face is achieved.

Another great way to keep up that all-important casual appearance is to practice looking emotionless. Seriously! Stand in front of a mirror and try it! You’ll soon get to learn how your face should look and feel when going for that totally unconcerned look, and it won’t be too long before you can do it away from the mirror.

Facial expressions need to be consistent. The more you master control, the more intimidating you will appear to other players. Don’t be afraid of looking mean. That’s exactly the look that you’re going for! Naturally, friendly games for small stakes will mean you can turn off for a while, but take time to notice how naturally controlled your body language becomes in low-stakes games when the pressure is off, then try to replicate it the next time the action gets really hot!

One thing that separates a great player from the rest of the crowd is the consistency with which they treat both victories and defeats. Jumping for joy, grabbing friends and generally rubbing somebody else’s nose in it is a fairly lousy way to be a winner. Equally, stomping around and refusing to shake hands after an unlucky defeat won’t exactly make you shine either. There will always be time to celebrate or lick your wounds later!

A key to holding your poker face comes in the actions of everything you do. Win or lose, stand up at the table and always be gracious in defeat and humble in victory. Not only does this show other players that winning and losing are of equal unimportance to you, but they’ll be no closer to knowing what makes you tick and that can be a really significant weapon.

Good players will use the manner of your victories to recognise stages in future games where you may have a good hand. Never give up your emotions cheaply.

Always be aware of other players trying to psyche you out. Some will just stare you down until they get a ‘tell’, while others will trash talk, bicker and provoke you until you react by trying to beat them with weak hands as a form of revenge. Play loose and you’ve played right into their hands. If your eyes are a giveaway, buy the biggest pair of shades you can find. Props are great and really help to keep that poker face under control.

Nobody likes a bully! Treat them with the contempt they deserve and isolate them from your thoughts. You’ll feel much better when you finally put them out of the game and they’ll know better than to try cheap tricks again in the future. Always be cool!

One great last piece of advice, wherever possible, is to try and film yourself playing poker and to see if you can spot your own ‘tells’. Do you fidget, play with your hair or raise eyebrows when you hit Aces? Do you drum your fingers relentlessly on the table in the hope that another player will fold to your obviously weak hand?

Get to know your quirks and habits as well as your opponents will. Do everything possible to get rid of them by tackling each one individually. You won’t build a poker face overnight but with a little practice and by following a few simple tips, you’ll soon find yourself having a strong mental advantage over most beginners to intermediate standard poker players.