Over the past several columns, I've written about things I'm just tired of at the poker table. Maybe I am getting old and grouchy, but reader response has been so good I will give you more. If nothing else, perhaps it will help you feel less alone or less intolerant?
How often at the poker table have you heard "Ship it" said to the dealer after a player wins the pot? Is this a UPS or FedEx office and we are now mailing packages? Not only is it stupid, but it generally is said with flair and gusto by the winner who utters it in a demeaning manner to the loser.
How about, "I put you on A-K suited?" Wow, are you really that good that you can nail the exact ranking and the suited part of a hand? From the many books that I've read, I see where the truly amazing players ascribe a range of hands to their opponents that may include the two cards the villain has.
I've only seen Daniel Negraneau actually name the two cards with any sort of regularity and I have to admit, it's truly scary. Once you are a player of his caliber, spout anything you like. Until then-and remember, I am hearing these comments in small-limit games-don't show your brilliance in a manner that puts off your fellow players.
Another saying I just love to hate is when an adversary loses a pot and announces "Unreal, just unreal." So often, this comment is emoted at the end of a hand that was an open book to everyone but the loser, and you are just making yourself look silly. Often, I see a guy with two red aces play to the river against multiple opponents on a board of J-10-9 of spades, only to be beaten in at least two spots on the river. Uh, what part of the capped action made you continue to think your hand was good after the flop? Aces are great pre-flop, but if you can't get away from them after the flop, you'd better keep your day job.
How about hearing from a player that he smooth or flat called you? Uh, OK, we all are in this game and are watching the action. How about simply announcing your action as calling vs. the extended explanation?
The flat/smooth adverbs seem to indicate you are not raising. If that is the case, why would you tell your enemy this and perhaps queer your action on later streets? Is this to instill fear? It tells me you're not too smart.
When a player calls someone an idiot or some other insulting name, why doesn't the dealer speak up to end the verbal abuse? Is anyone at the poker table truly an idiot for playing his cards the way he sees fit? Not everyone plays for the same reasons. Some play merely for fun, actually enjoy the action, and don't care about winning. Yes, it's true! They don't care.
These comments make me want to open up my game because I know the aggressively vocal player is in a combative state, which usually makes his game deteriorate. That's when you can pounce. Remember, the wounded wildebeest is your target and even the best players get their noses open. When their conversation turns nasty or rude, they've drawn a bulls-eye on their back. Go get 'em!
Moving right along...
Editor's Note: Jan Fisher has 30 years experience as a poker player, tournament director, strategist/columnist, cofounder of the Tournament Directors Association, Partner in Card Player Cruises, WPT Boot Camp instructor and statistician, and live studio announcer for the Professional Poker Tour. E-mail Jan at Jan@cardplayercruises.com.
