Ipods at the Poker Table? Pro or Con?

[jok3rzwild]

I just purchased an Ipod, loading it up with music I'll be playing an average 40hrs a week here in L.A.

Question is, does having a headset with music playing have you noticed any noticeable changes in your play?

slight changes?

noticeable

or None?

I plan on putting it on low volume, to be able to hear some table talk.

Whats your intake?

[DeuceSeven]

I don't play live much, but the benefits seem to be:

1. If there's a douche at your table you can listen to your ipod at full blast.

2. Keeps you from being board.

The only bad thing is you might have it too loud and miss something, you can fix this and just keep the volume low like you said.

[Rek]

Music will help some concentrate and distract others. If you are the former, fine.

I notice you yeah. I would think you are an idiot (no offence) and if I could hear it I would tell you to turn it down.

If you are not wanting to chat and get involved with the table then do online poker in your room and play music as loud as you like.

And yes, I do know a lot of the top players do it.

[CrustyFace]

From what i have seen on TV those top players that where headphones are doing it at tourneys more than cash tables.

[sweeng8]

i agree with above,
playing cash tables I dont see the point. Every hand is potentially big and you can really afford to not listen up to what is being said.
In tournies, especially the big ones, games can be super slow and very dull. Even then I like to have a bit of banter with the table and thats passes the time. If however I was am at a very quiet and dull table I usually put on earphones to keep me company.

[kyzerjose]

I know we're all supposed to be serious and listen to every little bit of chatter yada, yada, yada. We're supposed to pay attention and not be distracted.
Yep, sure, fine.
I get distracted. I get bored. Sometimes people bug the sh*t out of me.
If I listen to music, I know my focus is off and adjust my play accordingly. Sometimes I just put the headphones on soften the general din of a large card room.
The only difference I've noticed is every now and then I lose track of the action and make some silly mistake.
If listening to music improves your overall state of mind, go for it.

[Rek]

[ QUOTE ]
The only difference I've noticed is every now and then I lose track of the action and piss everybody off as they wait for me to act

[/ QUOTE ]

[SellingtheDrama]

I'll put my headphones on only to deal with annoying people. When I play a pot, I hit pause - even if I don't make it obvious that I'm not listening to music, I'm not.

Last few times I've been to the cardroom, I happily haven't needed them.

[Al_Money]

40 hours a week live? LOL

[Mathew82]

I would only have music on if playing a set strategy for the table and couldn't care less what my opponents where doing...