How to Act Cool at the Poker Table

While your image might not help your jump shot or give you an assist at the blackjack table, it can help you in poker. This game is as much about the mind as it is the cards. Psyching your opponent out can help you win hands.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Learn to stare. An intimidating poker face prevents you from giving unwanted information and may unnerve opponents. Cultivate a look that is consistent in every situation. Don't betray a bad hand or a strong one by changing your demeanor.

2. Practice sitting at a table. Learn to properly shuffle cards. Practice moving your chips and counting them fast. Learn to shuffle your chips or roll them around your fingers. The more you can demonstrate to your fellow players that you are someone who spends a lot of time at the table (even if you don't) the more likely they are to treat you like you know what you're doing (even if you don't).

3. Keep quiet. Talking gives the good players information they can use, and it prevents you from picking up info from the bad ones. When you aren't in the action, spend your time watching what the other people are doing.

4. Television has helped cultivate the “look” of the poker player, including sunglasses, hooded sweatshirts and hats. Skip all of them. They look silly and single you out as an amateur. Good players don't need to hide behind anything.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to hide your face with your hands. Just be consistent in what you do. If you repeat an action the same way over and over, it doesn't betray much information.
• Don't bring a bunch of lucky trinkets to a table. You look like a tourist.