Getting Better. Even if it means reading a book.
I’m not showing my cards any more.
I think sometimes I’m too nice. I like to think of myself as a hard-nosed player. But I’m not. Sometimes It hits me that I want people to like me almost as much as I like chips. Especially at home games.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to be the dick who begrudgingly gets an invite when the game is short. But I’m not giving away information anymore in the hopes of being liked.
Here’s my pledge.
- No more showing my ace to make my opponent feeling good about his fold.
- No more showing my successful bluffs even though it probably is the most satisfying activity in existence.
- No more showing my aces in the big blind when everyone folds in hopes of some sympathy.
Truthfully, I don’t even think showing hands gives away that much information. It just wreaks of cooperation and that has no place at the poker table.
If there’s still some part of my personality that needs to be liked I will compensate by bringing more snacks, better beer. But I will not show my cards.
I used to play poker to make friends. As of today, I play to win.
Why do you play? Let me know at stories@whydoiplaypoker.net