Sunglasses at the table

[Lazymeatball]

Everyone knows that a great way to hide your tells, or hide the fact that you're looking out for tells is to wear sunglasses, even indoors and at night.

I play mostly low-limit when in a casino and I wonder if the act of wearing sunglasses changes my image from a casual player to a tight professional serious player.

In certain fun casual (ie profitable) games, does putting on a pair of sunglasses kill the mood?

[PokerBabe(aka)]

Lazy...,

The last time I was in a low limit game, the guy with the sunglasses misread the board because the glasses were too dark. /images/graemlins/confused.gif /images/graemlins/grin.gif

I doubt that anyone in a low limit game will take you seriously just because of your attire, but it's always important to LG and PG.

Glasses or not, the best way to be a "tight professional player" is to be a tight professional player.

LGPG,

Babe /images/graemlins/heart.gif

[Cyndie]

and they also radiate "hustler" but wearing even moderately tinted regular looking glasses can hide your eyes for scoping out players, and make you harder to read.

I wear glasses on a chain around my neck at the table...but even guys can do that with the sporty looking style of athletic glasses holders...you can still look cool and not lose your glasses, or have to be obvious about reaching for them.

I do remember wearing dark glasses during marathon sessions to be able to catnap at the table or in a lounge chair without having security think I was asleep...

[Mike]

I have only seen one player at the table who needed to wear dark sunglasses. When he flopped a great hand he had an uncontrollable high speed blink in both eyes. It made sense for him to wear sunglasses.

I don't usually give players with sunglasses a lot of respect. It's their game I watch first, njot their face. Just like the players who try to be invisible at the table. I don't pay any attention to them unless they bet.

I guess I am saying, unless you really have a need to wear sunglasses, they won't help your game, and sunglasses do give you the hustler look mentioned above.

[MarkD]

It usually makes me laugh. Gives me the aura of someone who is trying too hard.

[Dynasty]

[ QUOTE ]
It usually makes me laugh. Gives me the aura of someone who is trying too hard.

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't be so nice. It makes them look like idiots and they usually play just as idiotic.

[Al Schoonmaker]

Unless you are playing with serious players, most of them won't even notice.

I am NOT kidding. I read all lots of posts that indicate concern that people are focusing on them. In fact, in most games people have only the vaguest idea what the other people are wearing, doing, etc. They are focused on themselves and just don't care about the other people. It is a major reason they lose.

So spend less time worrying about how other people see you and focus your attention on the signals they are sending.

Regards,

Al

[Cyndie]

So you are saying...if we notice appearances of others at the table we are probably doing the *right* thing? /images/graemlins/grin.gif

Good to know!

[Al Schoonmaker]

Yep

[Redhotman]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
It usually makes me laugh. Gives me the aura of someone who is trying too hard.

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't be so nice. It makes them look like idiots and they usually play just as idiotic.

[/ QUOTE ]
I am not old enough to play in a casino yet, lol...But I cant wait to sit down at the table with my Matrix glasses...LOL...Gotta put a little count in for style at the table...

[Kurn, son of Mogh]

I don't wear sunglasses for 3 specific reasons:

1) Tells are hugely overrated in importance at limit
2) You can't see my eyes anyway
3) If I'm looking at you, I want you to know it.

Besides, you can see more by *not* looking directly at someone.

I wonder if the act of wearing sunglasses changes my image from a casual player to a tight professional serious player.

Why would you want to do this? Wouldn't you rather they think you're just there for a good time?

[CEO]

As the owner of the company which makes most of the world's Rx polarized sunglass lens, I would like to give my unbiased opinion that Sunglasses, particularly Rx polarized sunglasses are ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL towards winning poker. I may not be an expert in poker, but I certainly am in sunglasses. In fact, I am probably, modestly, the David Sklansky, of sunglasses. To properly use sunglasses at the table, I suggest:

1. Only use expensive sunwear. Cheap sunglasses do not help your game, they only hurt it. People know that if you are not willing to spend money on suglasses, you obviously on not willing to spend money to defend your hand.

2. You should only wear each pair of these expensive sunglasses once. People notice that if you are too cheap to only have one pair of sunglasses, you probably play to weak-tight.

3. Make sure you have expensive mirror and Anti-reflection coatings put on the lenses. These are absolutly essential for winning play, and to boost your self-confidence.

4. Make sure all your family members have expensive sunwear. This way you can rest easy that your family is protected from UV rays, and you can concentrate on your game.

5. Basically, the same applies to those who only wear clear lenses also. The same rules apply. The fact that I also manufacture those types of lenses also does not influence my feelings on this.

In conclusion, if you want to waste you money on books, videos, teachers, or anything else to learn poker, okay, go ahead and waste it. If you really want to win at poker, I believe the real answer is your sunwear and eyewear.

[MarkD]

You nailed that Dynasty. I was trying to be nice. I meant to say exactly what you said. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

I've only been to vegas once, and I was playing 4-8 at Bellagio when a young guy (I'm young too), prolly 25ish sat down with a cap pulled low and dark sunglasses and a couple flashy gold chains and it was all I could do to not burst out laughing. ROUNDER!!!!!

[Cyndie]

[J_V]

lol...you had me for the first two. Funny post.

[Cyndie]

[Al_Capone_Junior]

I use them mostly to keep other players from noticing that I am staring at them, your second reason for wearing them.

There are some situations where I suppose your image might change because of wearing glasses, but only when the players are very unknowledgable already. If it's causing an otherwise good game to tighten up (a rarity), be playful with them. Don't wear them all the time, sometimes wear them on your nose or head when not involved in a hand (or when involved in a no-brainer hand), etc. Tell them you're trying to be like those guys on TV. Being friendly will quickly overcome those silly stereotypes.

Seriously tho, RED lenses SUCK. They make hearts look like diamonds.

al

[Lazymeatball]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't be so nice. It makes them look like idiots and they usually play just as idiotic.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't wear sunglasses at the table yet, but it is funny when I see some fool trying to look all serious with them on at $2-4.

[ QUOTE ]
Wouldn't you rather they think you're just there for a good time?


[/ QUOTE ]
Yes I would, KoM, that's why I posted this.

Overall I tend to have a problem with image. Sometimes after not playing a hand out of the blinds for a couple hours, people tend to label me as tight for some reason.

Any ideas on how to loosen up my image to a loose gambler while still playing a very tight aggressive game? How about a crazy hat? Everyone love's crazy hats.

[daryn]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In risposta di:</font><hr />
Yes I would, KoM,...

[/ QUOTE ]


don't you mean K,SoM?

[RollaJ]

Nothing is wrong with sunglasses if you like them, or if they make you feel more comfortable at the table. Personally I wear them sometimes and sometimes I dont, I think I may actually do better when I dont have them on, as I seem to have an honest look to me and my regular eyeglasses enhance that image. I find this to be better for me as I am very frequently trying to make a "believer" out of someone. In turn when I wear the sunglasses I feel like people may more see me as a wannabe pro/hustler and defend their hands more often

[slamdunkpro]

Just a general comment. The only places that I tend to wear sunglasses is at the Mirage (almost always) and at the Borgata (sometimes). I just find the Mirage room uncomfortably bright all the time and the Borg sometimes. I find I can play longer and more comfortably in those rooms without getting headaches.

[cottonmather0]

Seriously, there is a reason for wearing dark glasses, but that's only if you're in a tough game and I have yet to see any tough LL games. (Some may be tough *to beat*, but that's not what I'm talking about)

It's funny how many guys see sunglasses on TV and think it's a requisite.

If you're in a game, you should be looking *at the other players* and not be worried about them looking at you. I guarantee you that practically all of the other players will be too focused on looking at the flop or whatever than they will trying to look at you. If you do look around and you make eye contact with someone else doing the same thing and looking back at you, then smile at that guy and recognize that the guy is probably your toughest opponent at the table and thus should be treated with more caution than the other players.

Otherwise, keep looking at everyone else try to read hands and work on improving your game instead of worrying about your image.

[AmericanAirlines]

x

[Cyndie]

[happyjaypee]

It usually makes me laugh. Gives me the aura of someone who is trying too hard.

Don't be so nice. It makes them look like idiots and they usually play just as idiotic.


Well looking like an idiot CAN be an advantage you know. /images/graemlins/smirk.gif


-Happy /images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[Lebronomania]

Three thoughts:

1. A player wearing sunglasses at a limit table looks ridiculous. I cant help but giggle when I see it, and I haven't giggled regularly since 2nd grade.

2. Ironically, a person wearing sunglasses is giving away too much information 'bout himself. He's telling you that he's a relative newbie. As one poster suggested, some people watch these big tourneys on ESPN and the travel channel and figure that sunglasses are requisite to the game. So this guy just watched the WSOP for the first time, and figured he'd take a go at the game himself. Also, it tells you what kinda player he wants to be. He wants to be like the guys he just watched on TV who wore sunglasses, crazy and dangerous. Finally, HE IS MOST DEFINITELY NOT A ROUNDER, though he'd like you to believe he is.

3. The funniest thing I ever saw at a casino: Some joker sits down with reflecting sunglasses. Didn't take long 'till I figured out I could see his cards off his glasses!

[Al_Capone_Junior]

[ QUOTE ]
Ironically, a person wearing sunglasses is giving away too much information 'bout himself. He's telling you that he's a relative newbie.

[/ QUOTE ]

While this may often be true, especially at lower limits, it is by no means definitive. Many very good players also wear glasses. I have worn them since I started playing in casinos, and I am not a newbie by any means. My posts state my reasons why I wear them.

reflective lenses are pretty stupid tho. I like to move to the seat where I get the best view. If they're nice enough, I MIGHT quietly tell them about it off to the side. A true fish who finds out the real rounders are taking advantage of him might quit and not come back. The actual opportunities we have where the play changes because of seeing a fish's cards aren't worth driving him off. If they're a jerk however, I'll go get a buddy and he can have the seat next to mine.

al

[Gamblor]

I don't normally wear sunglasses, but once in a while if I see a really juicy 10/20, I'll bust out the big Tom Cruise-in-Top-Gun-style Ray Ban aviators and John Deere mesh hat. Still haven't found a good pair of overalls to replace my khakis and sweatshirt.

They're good for a laugh or comment or two and it keeps people in a good mood - which is always good for taking their money. Oddly enough, I always seem to win with them so they've taken on a luck aspect too.

On the other hand, I think they might be reflective.

Crap.

[pokerlover]

I wear sunglasses when I play due to the fact that someone once told me he new when someone hit my 4th queen playing stud when my eye popped out of my head. Ever since then I wear them so I don't give anything away with my eyes.

[daryn]

mirrored sunglasses alone don't let everyone see your hole cards. it's very possible to wear mirrored glasses and not show the world your cards..

[James Boston]

I do it, but for different reasons. I'm only 23. When I put the glasses on I hear comments like, "This boy's been watching TV." I try to give the impression of a young kid who has been watching WPT and decided to give it a try. I also do a mediocre chip shuffle. Anything that makes the old guys think I'm just copying what I saw on TV, and have no idea how to play, is good for my table image.

[bomblade]

I wear sunglasses on and off at the table. If I look like an idiot, great. I think some people look like idiots who don't wear sunglasses. If me wearing sunglasses means I am an idiot player, that's good too. If anyone is judging me on my appearance rather than my play, I should be able to take a few racks from them.
Wearing sunglasses or any other thing one does at a table to give off vibe is only there to get players who think these things are important, to think those things are important. "So-called pros" don't care.

[RollaJ]

I think I may start wearing them more often since about half the educated players on this thread said that they have pre-concieved notions as to how someone with sunglasses on plays lower quality poker than someone who doesnt. That should give me an hour or two to run over the game before people realize I didnt start playing 3 weeks ago.
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[RydenStoompala]

For me it was an easy decision. I'm nearly blind without my glasses and they magnify my eyes so much that i might as well hold up a sign, like a Roadrunner cartoon, announcing my hand. The shades are a necessity. It's great when someone takes issue. You can stare at them all night while their stack dwindles. The regulars know I have no choice. The others keep me happy.

[David Steele]

Anything that makes the old guys think I'm just copying what I saw on TV, and have no idea how to play, is good for my table image.

You should read some of Mason's essays on this subject.

In holdem you benefit more from having a greater chance to make players fold than from getting extra action. A tight image is more valuable.

D.

[James Boston]

Believe me, I would love that, but I look young. I don't think I'm going to be taken seriously with or without sunglasses. So, I figure I might as well play it to its full potential. If you have any suggestions on how I can have a "tight image," other than playing one hand per hour, I'd like to hear it. I've gotten snickers when I sit down without the glasses, which is fine with me. The bottom line is that I look young, and young, to them, means I don't know how to play.

[Cyndie]

[James Boston]

I'm not saying that I do. David was saying that my table image should convey me as a player people want to fold to. I was just responding that I don't think that is possible because of my youth. If I can't come across as "tough" and make people think twice about betting into me, I might as well do the opposite and try to get as much action out of people as possible.

[calig]

There is very little correlation between wearing sunglasses and quality of play. Now add also wearing earphones along with the sunglasses and you have a whole different story.

[budman]

I wear sunglasses at the table so that when I get really tired I can sleep without anyone at the table knowing.

[NeoGeo]

Funny thing for me is that I despise players wearing sunglasses at table. I find them cowardly looking and like to steal their blind so we can stare at each other despite their eyeglasses shield. To me it's entertainment. Your sunglasses may just be that open invitation.

[NeoGeo]

I have to admit that I once caught glimpse of hole cards from someone wearing reflective eyeglasses. He was on seat 8 and I was on seat 6. However, the reflection was so tiny that I can't read the cards except knowing that they're both red.