Those serious, arrogant poker professionals gathered around the table in big shades and hooded sweatshirts are out for blood. They are not attracting amiable amateurs, they are attracting expert players who are the only ones who are not intimidated by their demeanor. This may be good for TV’s World of Poker, but certainly not for the good players who want to pick up a few bucks.

Generally speaking, the amateur is looking for a game among people as gregarious as he is. For him, the game is not a way to make real money but a means to a few hours of fun in a social setting. It may be someone escaping from the routine of the office, or a player tired of online poker and seeking that human touch. They are looking for a table with a relaxed, congenial atmosphere and don’t care so much about winning or losing. They are attracted to tables where people are enjoying each other.

To the players who want to constantly earn an actual income at the table, these guys are a godsend. An individual player will probably not lose a lot, but will do so consistently. If the pro wants some dough he has come to the right place. These good ol’ boys seeking fun will stay longer, place riskier bets and lose more when they are having fun.

At a table where nobody initiates any human contact and there is no way to see what the opponents look like behind their cases of armor nothing keeps the amateur to leave as soon as they lose once, never to return.

Conversely, the table with conversation and laughter where everyone is complimenting each other on their “great play” will attract the amateurs. The amateur sees this behavior as trustworthy and will keep coming back for more. They will lose all right, but they will do so with such a fine disposition, having received entertainment value instead of money.

Keep your weaker opponents in a good mood and you will keep up their good hopes, believing that luck may still take their side. Good time and occasional “luck” may turn them into regular players and into regular income and attract still more amateurs. But a show of cold indifference will only make them disgusted with themselves or the table or both.

Top professionals carefully invent their poker persona. Their key to success lies not only in superior technique but often in the ability to create, through persona and ability to manipulate the game cleverly, situations which project a positive experience for their unsuspecting prey. They make sure that those who are about to loose salute them.

The author is a successful limit cash game player. He plays poker online and receives Fat Bet Rakeback and Poker Nordica Rakeback.

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