So I dress like a bum and play high stakes poker...

[Lawrence Ng]

Hi guys,

I work as a cable engineer. A big part of my work involves a lot of physical activity outside. So I have the luxury of wearing slacks, jeans, cargo pants, with sweaters and any apparel that has lots of pockets so I can put my tools in. Carrying a tool pouch isn't a fancy for me unless I absolutely have to do it. I also get to wear my lucky San Jose sharks cap. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

So my clothes are somewhat sloppy and sometimes dirty depending on the weather and what outside conditions I have to work in. Often times, I head down to cardroom after I'm finished work and play.

Most of the other people who I play with in the high stakes on a regular basis are either 1. successful business people who like to gamble higher or 2. Very good poker players. I've noticed that either group likes to "dress up" to the part. I see players wearing really nice gold rings, Rolex watches, and other various jewellery. Some players even wear some very nice Armani suits to the game.

Myself, I like a nice Armani suit, but I rarely get the chance to wear it. The jewellry stuff is a bit too much for me.

So I guess these people like to show off how well they are.

Now my question is: Is presenting an image of having so much materialistic goods benefial to one's game of poker? Does looking like a bum make that much of a difference.

I once had a friend who asked me what I did for fun and I told him I played poker. He asked me how I did, and I said I did fairly well. His reply was that I obviously wasn't doing that well since I looked like a bum. So I started yapping about poker theories, poker terminalogy and that shut him up.

But then I thought, he's kind of right. I look like a bum. I wear these Old Navy cargos. I wear a watch my x-gf gave me that only cost $80 (yes, I'm sentimental) and my SJ cap is starting to get worn out.

Lawrence

[Boltsfan1992]

Hiya -

I think it pertains to the perceptions people have about wealth and success. People equate those who are successful with the ability to buy nice clothes and wear Rolexes everywhere. Those who dress for success may look at someone who doesn't as someone that they can take advantage of and win their money.

So, being comfortable wearing what you want to wear at the card room you play may work to your advantage because the fancy dressers may think that you are not successful. Consequently, they may push their edges too far by playing carelessly thinking, "Well...he's not successful just look at what he's wearing!"

It's just like middle/junior high school I suppose, but that mentally permates our culture with the images they flash us in the media and advertising where if you are successful, you will show it by having the Lexus, Armani suit, and jewlery and that you will wear these things ALL of the time.

Even though some of the players may be showing off by wearing the Armani suits to the casino, what some of these people may not realize that at the poker table everything is equal - a player can play well...or not play well. I think wearing what you do works to your advantage and to their disadvantage by their possible evaluation of you as a player. They may have started off thinking that you were not successful because of your wardrobe, but their misperceptions just cost them in the long run.

I assume you live in San Jose...if I'm ever there, you'll know me by my Lightning Jersey and Lightning hat...but right now I don't have the bankroll to play at the stakes you are playing. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

PB

[smoore]

Unless that friend is joking, he is a snob. From what I understand SoCal is very materialistic so that might be SOP.

Here in the front range of Colorado, I know millionares that dress in tshirts and jeans 7 days a week. They drive nice cars, but the valet isn't thinking he's going to get a lexus or merc when the guy hands him the ticket. When I make a "first impression" judgement about someone I won't look at thier clothes. I look for grooming and any jewelry the're wearing. Even these indicators aren't fully accurate however as I also know a guy who lives in a trailer and fancies very nice watches and expensive cologne. Some of the rich guys hardly ever shave. Odor or lack thereof is a pretty good indicator too.

[Cerril]

As to whether it makes a difference, I'm sure it does. But whether you look like a rich guy or trailer trash, it'll have a different effect on different people. Some people will see you as a stereotypical poker player (slobs who are good at the game), while others will see you as an easy mark (more likely), and some will just judge you by your play. You can take advantage of anyone who has a bias, so just figuring out what theirs is will help - easier said than done.

As to the rest, I'm not a big time pro by any means but when I get the opportunity I like to dress up. I certainly feel better about myself when I look successful. Just the ability to distinguish between cleaned up and quality garb (I don't go for gold or jewelry, it doesn't take much more than simply moderate quality gear to make me happy) and rags or absolutely casual stuff is an accomplishment. If it doesn't do anything for you or if it isn't convenient, don't bother. I don't give a ...care... about a whole lot of things, the one I differ most from my friends being my car. I've never and may never care about more than being able to drive from point a to point b (and maybe spending less on gas while driving 3 other people), style is a nonissue for me. Some of my friends really do care. It's just an issue where we have different values. Everything about personal appearance can be lumped in the same place.

[bernie]

[ QUOTE ]
I once had a friend who asked me what I did for fun and I told him I played poker. He asked me how I did, and I said I did fairly well. His reply was that I obviously wasn't doing that well since I looked like a bum.

[/ QUOTE ]

It's not a fashion show. You're not there to compete with the others about who has the most nice stuff. Save that for a date.

I think many may share your friends thoughts. Do you see how this could be advantageous? Make them go the furthest distance to figure out your skill level. I used to walk in with long bleach blonde hair 1/2 way down my back, faded jeans, harley shirt and a leather coat. My cap and shades. I'd get great looks from the old farts rolling their eyes as i sat down. It was great.

b

[C LO]

I would say it gives one a big advantage to dress down and not wear anything to show ones wealth. If possible I would even play it up, deception can make you money. It funny how easily people jump to conclusions about people, without knowing anything about them except how they look.

I personally like to always arrive at the table with beer in hand (the drunk guy). I want people to think I'm that guy, the easier they think they can take my money the better. It's great to see the looks at the table when I sit down, they can't wait to get in a hand with me.

I actually enjoy it, winning is so much more rewarding. Sometimes you get up from the table and they don't know what hit them.

[img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[RydenStoompala]

If you had played me a dozen times, and someone asked, you could not tell them how I usually dressed.

[mmcd]

In my experience, generally speaking of course, a person's poker skill is inversely related to the price of their watch. If I see someone wearing a 20-30k watch, they are usually either very good are much more likely a terrible action junkie. You'll be able to tell which one almost immediately.

As for diamond pinky rings and stuff like that, also genrally speaking, the more jewlery, the poorer the player.

[Demana]

In the end, the cards talk and any decent player at the table will have shelved their first impressions of you and have formed a new opinion of you based on your play.

The fish and ego-maniacs, on the other hand, will stick to their first impressions of you till you take their last dollar.

Of course, when you first sit down at a table, it is always good that people make the wrong opinion of you [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[smoore]

[ QUOTE ]
I personally like to always arrive at the table with beer in hand (the drunk guy).

[/ QUOTE ]

haha, I do this too... of course it helps that I can drink enough whiskey to sink a battleship. For an added bonus, come up clinking about $80 in $5 chips at a low limit table (no rack, hand carried)... most people seem to assume that you're bringing blackjack winnings over to "thier" game. You can tell them that you've been getting hot cards over there too if you want to really ham it up.