Keeping my mouth shut

chillywater8 · #1 08-10-2007, 05:01 PM

I've only been playing Live poker for a few weeks now(regularly) with the new 1/2 game here in FL and have noticed I am talking strategy way to much at the table. Been getting caught up in conversations that give my play away ect...I really need to stop it, is a bit impulsive I think. I already bring sunglasses and a ipod and will use them more think. I'm also going to bring a small card protector that has significance to me and will hopefully remind me to stfu. I'd appreciate any comments on how others fell about table banter. My yap cost me $ again yesterday. It's nice to meet people and stuff but it is costing me $. I have to find a better balance.

Rick Nebiolo · #2 08-10-2007, 05:04 PM

Table banter can keep the game fun (and live) but stick to topics such as movies, TV, sports, and where to find a good meal.

Avoid politics, religion, and any mention of 2+2 or strategy.

~ Rick

FireStorm · #3 08-10-2007, 05:05 PM

Bring something to read, or use the IPOD/headphones. You may simply be a naturally verbally outgoing and aggressive individual, there's no shame in it. Try and distract yourself so that you don't reveal anything. If possible, give away false info to quiet the need to talk.

luckbox666 · #4 08-10-2007, 05:27 PM

get a custom card protector with 'STFU' imprinted on it

Moneyline · #5 08-10-2007, 07:25 PM

I'm not sure if this post is even serious because every aspect of your table persona that you mentioned is considered poor form, cliched and/or nitty by many B&M regulars. Table coaching/talking strategy, sunglasses, ipods, and even flamboyant card protectors are all slammed on this forum and by B&M regulars from time to time.

For me personally I don't mind any of those things except for table coaching and strategy talk, and admittedly the latter of those two can occasionally be entertaining if strategy man is unskilled enough. Anyway, my advice to you is that if this post is serious, just try being friendly, playing quickly, and playing your best game. Nothing else is really required.

LocustHorde · #6 08-10-2007, 07:30 PM

If you're going to talk strategy, just tell them lies.. All lies.. Say stuff like yeah, I hate AA, they always get cracked and your favorite hand is 54 because it's your b-day.. Of course the good players will catch on, but I doubt they would be talking strategy with you in the first place..

Mr Rick · #7 08-11-2007, 12:49 AM

[ QUOTE ]
If you're going to talk strategy, just tell them lies.. All lies.. Say stuff like yeah, I hate AA, they always get cracked and your favorite hand is 54 because it's your b-day.. Of course the good players will catch on, but I doubt they would be talking strategy with you in the first place..

[/ QUOTE ]
When I do this I try to keep it light. Or extremely outrageous. If somebody asks if I would have called a raise - I might say - no I would have had to re-raise you.

In general I like to be honest about things. But when people are asking me questions so I can educate them as to how to beat me - well my daddy always said "Ask a silly question get a silly answer". I have actually said on more than one occasion "So you want me to help you beat me?"

But remember if you are going to lie - there have to be times when you tell the truth. When I do this, people who know me roll their eyes because they no longer believe anything I say...

budblown · #8 08-11-2007, 01:13 AM

1. get sunglasses
2. get ipod
3. ???
4. profit

chillywater8 · #9 08-11-2007, 02:20 PM

Thanks for the advice, I am being serious. Like I said I am very green, trying to learn. Been studying and playing alot over 2 years just not yet used to the B&G. I do not want to be "that guy" at all. I do need the sunglasses and ipod at times to keep myself from chatting to much, most of my live experience is from my friends home game where we constantly talk strategy and good naturely belittle each other. I know it's "only 1/2" but I'm "only" a food server making ends meet in the off-season so I take it seriously.

AKQJ10 · #10 08-11-2007, 03:16 PM

[ QUOTE ]
For me personally I don't mind any of those things except for table coaching and strategy talk, and admittedly the latter of those two can occasionally be entertaining if strategy man is unskilled enough.

[/ QUOTE ]

Much in the same way that I might raise a good hand big 2/3 of the time and raise it small the remaining 1/3, I sometimes talk strategy but try to be serious only 2/3 of the time and throw in some awful advice. Sometimes I just nod knowingly when my neighbor says he should have pushed all-in after flopping his set to knock all the draws out.

Like the OP, I find the temptation to talk poker really strong. And I would argue that I'm probably able to do more with info about how my opponents think than vice-versa. The truth of the matter is, no matter how much I insist that folding AQ to a reraise or pricing draws to make them think they can stay in is profitable, no one's going to believe me anyway. So as long as I contaminate my advice every once in a while, it's fine.

I also love to say, "We all have our different styles, and what works for you may not work for him," when someone's berating a fish. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] But I should probably just keep out.