Talk to Your Enemies

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July 26th, 2018
Back Talk to Your Enemies

Whether you like it or not, those players sitting around you in a poker game are your enemies -- and that includes the friendly ones.

Away from the game, they may be your friends. But in poker when you are playing for money or to win a tournament, you can only look at them as your enemies and treat them as foes who must be vanquished.

One thing I make a practice of doing at a poker table is to talk to my enemies. That was a common practice of soldiers in nearly every war from World War 11 to Korea and Vietnam. Soldiers who were in the trenches on the firing line would often exchange quips with their enemies and even occasionally engage in a cease-fire to give the opposition a chance to catch some sleep. Shouting across the lines to each other was psychological warfare, but it was also a sign of respect that most soldiers honored.

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When I am playing poker, I talk to my enemies with the same thoughts in mind. One of the other players may come out betting or raise me when I am on a powerful draw. I will study my cards for a long moment before looking at my foe and saying, 'Are you sure you want to do that?'

Sometimes the player will respond and sometimes he will ignore my comment. But whatever the response, I have caused him to think about his actions. I have accomplished my goal.

Poker is or should be a fun game that involves money. Yes, it can become grim warfare at times, but players should work hard to keep it fun, whether they are winning or losing.

That will help soften the pain of losing and it will keep the game interesting. It will increase the respect the other players have toward you. And if you turn into a big winner, it will make their losses go easier.

I have a routine that I often use when I sit down at a poker table. I set the stage by saying something like, 'This is the table my mother warned me against, but unfortunately nobody listens to their mother. Deal me in.'

Granted, there are some players who rarely or never talk while playing poker. There is an older player at Talking Stick Casino near Scottsdale, AZ., for example, who is that way. Fred and I get along well until I start talking.Then he shakes his head, stares at me, and says, 'Geno, Geno, Geno.' He tries to intimidate me into shutting up, but it never works. Still, I have to give him credit for trying.

When you play poker in a brick and mortar casino, be sure to talk to the other players. It will give you an edge on them and it should help increase your profits.

Any subject is open for discussion at a poker table, from politics to religion. A good lively argument will stimulate the players and make the game more lively. You don't want to be insulting, but you definitely should give your opinion on the subject being discussed.

Talk to your enemies, but do it in a civil manner and with a sense of humor. It will make the game much more pleasant and it could end up sharply increasing your winnings.

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