Posted Tue Mar 23, 2004 12:25 pm GMT by Saso8910
I want to hear from others about this phenomenon of sunglasses and hats at poker tables. Do you actually wear these things- sure they look cool and I've heard that with some players it puts them "In the ZONE." But, I feel comfortable in saying without any scientific census evidence that 99% of players who sit at the majority of poker tables do not need to wear these things.
I play tournaments from time-to-time and I do wear a hat. I enjoy the privacy of lowering my head when trying to make decisions. I have worn sunglasses before - but it was for a 1k buy-in tournament that I gained access in through a satellite a few years ago. With those types of players- damn right, I'd wear a veil if I could! But- come on low limit players! What is this sunglasses/hat/pullover combo??? Do you really think that you are protecting yourself in low limit- high calling- games? It doesn't help.
Some pros take advantage of this controversy. Hellmuth is a hat/glasses/pullover combo player because he knows he gives out tells. His power at the table is his mouth - rattling players! He is really a genius- he's the only player that can make you think that even though you beat him in a hand, that you made a mistake with calling him or betting the way you did. He may be the "Brat," but he has found what works for him and goes with it! Other players like Phil Ivey and Men Ngyn (spelling???) Do not use glasses or hats since they feel that portraying false tells and no tells at all are their advantage. Ever notice how quite Ivey is at a table??? Or, the only words that come out of the Masters mouth are "happy and nice?" Because they don't rely on those rattling tactics. *Most tells amongst professional players are in their bets and raises. No-Limit Poker is not a game of cards... It's a game of betting and raising! If someone limps in, moderately raises, over raises, etc. are what the pro's look for. Notice next time when watching one of those TV shows that commentators who know what they are talking about never say, "He has picked up on a tell." they always say, "It seems that he has picked up on a weakness." There's a big difference!
Now- when I sit at a 5/10, 10/20, or even a small tournament and notice a player wearing glasses and a hat. I don't say anything until they win a pot off me, or I fold a pot to them. I will always say something to the player next to me, or whoever, something negative about my 'cool looking' opponent (but not too bad). This will invoke a look through those sunglasses or even a word or two! When I get the look- I say, "You know, you need to know what you're looking for in order for those glasses to work." You will immediately get the table laughing and if the player hadn't already said something to you- he will then. Now, I did three things to gain table advantage! First, I rattled the sun-glassed player a little- embarrassment. Second, I made friends with the table who was my laughing audience. Third, I have disclosed (without proving) that I know what to look for in an opponent and may have scared a player or two!
This works- but you need to have a little respect first and a moderate stack- if you don't, watch out for other players crapping on you with the proof of a low stack or cold cards.
-SASO
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Posted Tue Mar 23, 2004 12:39 pm GMT by racquet000
Thanks. Sounds about right to me. and it was interesting to read. :D
Posted Tue Mar 23, 2004 12:39 pm GMT by american mutt
Interesting perspective. I wear my FBI hat and my 70's shades
sometimes. Other than that, I think all that stuff is weak. People
may as well wear leather maskes and be behind a brick wall.
I agree that the peole who know they have tells need these
cover-ups. I personally go with the false tells. I play tight and
usually end up with at least 3-4 xs my buy in playing my crew.
They know my tells, and as Missy Elliot says, I put my thing
down flip it and reverse it.
Posted Tue Mar 23, 2004 2:02 pm GMT by Carson Cashman
I just recently started wearing sunglasses when playing. Until my last trip to Vegas, I scoffed at players wearing sunglasses, especially at the low limit tables. It seemed ridiculous to me that people would try to cover up and take seriously such a small game.
Then I thought, what the hell. After playing an $8/$16 at the Bellagio for a few hours, I started to get a little irked about the 3 seat sunglass-wearing guy. I was in the 7 or 8 seat, so this guy was always pointed right at me, and he was quite aggressive. Anyways, I realized that the sunglasses were bugging me, not because I couldn't get a read off his eyes, but because I never knew where his eyes were.
I went over to the Mirage and played the $10/$20, and wore shades the whole time. I'll never not wear them now. I found it invaluable to be able to watch players without being detected by anyone. I don't think many players were sunglasses to prevent themselves from sending off tells. They eyes don't really tell you too much unless you can see well enough to notice pupils dilating. (spelling?) But sunglasses do allow you to run your recon operations more covertly, and I found this to be very useful.
Posted Tue Mar 23, 2004 2:20 pm GMT by K-rug
I personally do not wear glasses but I will wear a hat or visor of some sort. Overhead lights really get to my eyes after a few hours. I also take a page from Howard Lederer and want to be seen watching people. I want people to see me staring and looking at them. It rattles them a bit because I can see in their mind and have been told afterwards that while I am looking at them they are consciously trying keep all their tells in check that they think they have. Sort of like going down a checklist. They eventually slip up, I catch it and now I have the mental advantage over them. Whether it is a win or a correct fold the next time they are thinking to themselves, crap... me and him... and they will fold a hand they normally wouldn't. That on top of doing the odds in my head is how I play. No-Limit is more about playing the other players than the cards. But you still have to know what you chances are. Even if you don't wear anything, you can still win tournaments with cards and the odds and little bit of knowledge of the other person. It's all a mind game.
Posted Tue Mar 23, 2004 2:23 pm GMT by american mutt
I can see that side of it too. I once put my brother on a lower pair
than me because it was the card he was looking at. Such a simple
thing to notice. I still don't wear shades because I'm a pretty good
liar, and when I have AA, and A 9 4 rainbow is on the board, I look
at the 9 all day, and make sure other people see it. That's my style
though, I deceive and draw bluffs all day. Rarely will I just put a
simple bet out, unless I have something decent and someone else
is subconciently guarding his hand. It's funny when people wear
shades that you can see through though. I think one guy I play
with wears them just cause it's cool,, but you can still se his eyes!
That is interesting though, I will try it sometime and see if I'm any
less obvious about my hands. But I'd almost rather someone look
me right in the eyes and think what I want them to. It all has to do
with how good you can spot a liar. These tells are not obvious but
learned. So many subtle things to look for. The hands are very
important to watch..!!!!!!!! They tell alot.
Posted Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:22 pm GMT by Saso8910
Obviously- there are a lot of people interested in this topic- Good! Like I mentioned, some players say wearing hats/sunglasses puts them in the zone or mood... I like wearing a hat in tournaments for privacy. You know - whatever floats your boat. If you feel more comforatble wearing these items, go for it then. But, as a warning... if I sit down at that table with you- I will say something. (but, I'd probably say something about anything anyway to gain a foothold on the table-LOL) -GL, -SASO
Posted Wed Mar 24, 2004 12:07 pm GMT by K-rug
I think next time I play I am going to show up wearing a big sombrero and those over sized clown sunglasses. Since I organize the weekly game and tournament I can maybe get away with it. Nah... But that would be extremely funny.
Posted Wed Mar 24, 2004 5:55 pm GMT by american mutt
HAHAHA, or a paper bag with eyeholes cut out! lol
you could draw a face and everything.
Posted Wed Mar 24, 2004 10:02 pm GMT by Jonniedough
When I play I take my hat and these sunglasses....( http://travel.discovery.com/fansites/worldpoker/challenges/challenge9/challenge9_zoom6.html )
Posted Thu Mar 25, 2004 12:35 pm GMT by BeerWench13
I never wear a hat or shades when I play. I wear glasses because I'm slightly near-sighted, but never sunglasses. I just don't see the point personally. I've learned to mask any tells that I had long ago. Now I'm never focusing on the cards at all. I'm usually watching whoever is next to act to read them. By the way, sunglasses and hats don't really hide as much as most people think. In fact, I find that people with those accessories usually have more tells because they think they're hidden. Watch the eyebrows. You can't really hide them with shades or a hat. Those muscles are still moving and that's all you really need to see. Also the wrinkle right between the eyebrows shows a scowl rather well. The rest is knowing their betting strategy.
I love the sombrero and clown glasses idea K-rug. That would be absolutely hilarious and would defintely rattle those that are wearing shades or a hat because they know that you're mocking them. I'm now considering a ski mask. 
Posted Thu Mar 25, 2004 11:39 pm GMT by K-rug
I have decided at the next tournament to paint my face as happy clown. I will always have a smile. I'll make my eybrows exagerated and wear one of those rainbow wigs. Now that would funny.
Posted Fri Mar 26, 2004 8:24 am GMT by saper88aa
I play with a superstious bunch of guys,so they often wear sunglasses,pull there hoods up and such.I normally wear a hat and shades ocasionally.Then later in the game i'll but my glasses on.I can't really see the flop wen it 6-7 feet away 
But like Chris (Jesus) Ferguson said,if it make you feel comfotrable at the table,use it.
Posted Fri Mar 26, 2004 3:16 pm GMT by karasz
i have a visor and sunglasses that i wear RELIGIOUSLY when i play...
no real reason, with them on i've had the best run of my life
(in 12 games, i won twice, came in 2nd 9 times, and lost once)
ive also lost the most money i've ever lost one night wearing them...
(2 30+3 buy-in tourneys... )
so i just do...
Posted Fri Mar 26, 2004 3:55 pm GMT by Dave B
I wear sunglasses, no pants and a Nixon mask when playing online at home.
No hat or glass at the casino.
Posted Sat Mar 27, 2004 3:01 am GMT by groton
i always has a hat on
glasses iv wore a couple times.
but the hat is normoly turned backwords facing so u can see my face and all that maybe i should ware it forword and down
Posted Wed Mar 31, 2004 4:57 pm GMT by Always_Bored
i dont wear sunglasses. I cant stand how dark it makes everything look. I find that that throws me off my game a bit. I do wear a baseball hat but I wear that all the time anyway.
Posted Thu Apr 01, 2004 2:58 am GMT by JohnnyCache
I DETEST flouro lighting, it gives me a migrane after about 180 minutes...so I would wear shades in a poker room . . . I've never bothered in a private game. . .
Posted Sun Apr 11, 2004 7:17 pm GMT by Heiserman
i switch up what hat and glasses i wear...if i wear them at all...recently ive been wearing a cowboy hat i picked up on a trip to arizona and some ridiculous aviator sunglasses...with the people i play with it doesnt provide a huge advantage...but bein able to look around without people seeing where your eyes are is a big thing...
- david
Posted Sun May 09, 2004 4:07 pm GMT by linuxman
with those reflecty style sunglasses if you happened to catch the right angle or something couldnt you steal a view of their cards perhaps?
not that i'm a cheat or anything 
rich
Posted Tue May 11, 2004 9:23 am GMT by Triffid
I like to go bareback with the eyes. Lederer style. I have learned to control my emotions & am getting pretty good at burning a hole through other players. I would hate to lose this advantage by wearing glasses.
On another note, I run a small NL Tourney series at home. About 30 guys, once a month. 1 dude like to come in full scuba gear. It's pretty funny if nothing else.
Posted Thu May 13, 2004 9:28 am GMT by Supersquid191
Want some fun? Beat a guy with sunglasses and if he makes a snide comment about it you just say, "well I have to admit it makes it alot easier that I can see the reflection of your cards in lenses of your glasses".
If you can sell it, I guarantee one rattled player and more than one guy at the table will take theirs off.
Posted Tue May 18, 2004 2:32 pm GMT by ballzzzzz
I wear mine all the time. It just helps me....someone mentioned it....the "Zone" or something. Seeing as I tend to get flushed when excited or upset....the glasses really don't help....LOL....but to me...they are a part of the uniform.
Posted Tue May 18, 2004 2:50 pm GMT by BeerWench13
| Quote: | | Seeing as I tend to get flushed when excited or upset |
Oh! I want to play with you!!! I'd be counting your chips while you turned red from head to toe.
Posted Tue May 18, 2004 3:23 pm GMT by ballzzzzz
I'm getting better....true story....I very often need to step away and chill after a beat or a real good hand. But you are right....it is a demon I face.
Fortunately...I get red when I have bad hands as well....so.... 
Posted Tue May 18, 2004 3:32 pm GMT by BeerWench13
I'd still love to play with you. The beauty about being a woman is that we can tell when a man is excited or when it's something else.
Posted Tue May 18, 2004 3:51 pm GMT by ballzzzzz
I am at a disadvantage when a woman is at the table....no doubt. But I give it the good ole college try.
And losing to a woman is somehow easier to take. I dunno....
Anywho...tells....I got 'em. LOL
Posted Wed May 19, 2004 4:07 pm GMT by Big Mike Watters
I had a few posts in this thread....why are they now gone? 
Posted Wed Jan 12, 2005 3:39 pm GMT by Imajica1975
I'm the kind of player who wears sunglasses and a hat. Also, I usually bring my ipod with the tiny headphones, even though I rarely turn it on. I just like the headphones because when you have them on, people are less likely to talk to you.
But I'll tell you what I told some guy at a MTT torney when he had to comment on my wardrobe at the table. It was something along the lines of, "look, I understand that you are either trying to be extremely clever and are looking for a tell, or you are just one of those guys who likes to "chat" at the table. I respect your right to do either one. I, on the other hand, as you may have guessed by my attire, do not like to "chat" at the table for ANY reason. I hope you will respect that.
That usually about does it.
Posted Fri Jan 14, 2005 6:01 am GMT by ZIPPY
Hmmm.... If only I could get away with wearing a burkha (?) and shades!
Or an arafat style scarf
Posted Fri Jan 14, 2005 3:37 pm GMT by saper88aa
I was wearing glasses once and i accualy was able to see the other players cards.HE was directly to my right. So i new exactly what he had. I took about 3-5 big pots from him using this.
Posted Thu Mar 17, 2005 4:24 am GMT by zz1tom
lol, no, but i do wear my NIKE sunglasses and my Lebron James jersey,(cause phil ivey wears jerseys a lot) or i wear my Terrell Owens jersey.
Posted Thu Mar 17, 2005 5:39 am GMT by Idaho
It just doesn't feel like poker unless I am wearing a pink satin ball-gown, tiara and a pair of green wellies.
Posted Thu Mar 17, 2005 11:34 am GMT by axL
I don't use sunglasses that often in home games, except for once in a while. Would like to try to play a hand with Greg Raymers glasses though :D .
Posted Thu Mar 17, 2005 12:03 pm GMT by Always_Bored
| axL wrote: | | I don't use sunglasses that often in home games, except for once in a while. Would like to try to play a hand with Greg Raymers glasses though :D . |
I hate those glasses.
Posted Mon Mar 21, 2005 12:13 am GMT by axL
Haha, yeah i wouldn't want to play against them, however trying them out during a game wouldn't hurt..
Posted Mon Mar 28, 2005 9:57 pm GMT by KINGJACK
I wear sungalces often whan I play poker.
I like to take them of or put them on when an oponent is thinkg before taking a decision on my bet. Nomather what I have or if I have them on or off.
I realized that it infuence poeple decisions in a looser way.
After knowing this, I can ajust to their move having an extra information about the streght of their hand.
KJ
Posted Tue Mar 29, 2005 7:51 am GMT by Scott1101
| KINGJACK wrote: | I wear sungalces often whan I play poker.
I like to take them of or put them on when an oponent is thinkg before taking a decision on my bet. Nomather what I have or if I have them on or off.
I realized that it infuence poeple decisions in a looser way.
After knowing this, I can ajust to their move having an extra information about the streght of their hand.
KJ |
Thank fo provin our point abut why peopl shouldnt wer sunglases indors becaue they can't se what they ar typing.
Posted Wed Mar 30, 2005 9:09 pm GMT by deadmoney28
i have to wear sunglasses and a hat... i wear the sunglasses not becasue i stare at the cummunity cards.. but to stare at other players when tehy are not even aware of it.. i pick up a lot of tells doin git
Posted Thu Mar 31, 2005 7:47 am GMT by Jernej Zorec
but u know, its easier to think an oponent doesnt look at you when he wears glasses, that way you can easily stay calm and do what u want to do, when opponent stares at u and u know it ,then u are more likely to make a mistake
Posted Thu Mar 31, 2005 8:20 am GMT by Scott1101
| deadmoney28 wrote: | | i have to wear sunglasses and a hat... i wear the sunglasses not becasue i stare at the cummunity cards.. but to stare at other players when tehy are not even aware of it.. i pick up a lot of tells doin git |
Did yo hav you sunglases on when you wer tying this?
Posted Tue Apr 05, 2005 10:23 pm GMT by deadmoney28
yeah i did.. and i got a tell from you saying that... you gave a little smirk as you were typing htat with a smile on your face... i am the best hah
Posted Wed Apr 06, 2005 9:41 am GMT by Scott1101
| deadmoney28 wrote: | | yeah i did.. and i got a tell from you saying that... you gave a little smirk as you were typing htat with a smile on your face... i am the best hah |
The purpose of picking up a tell in a poker game is to gain a competitive advantage from having a better idea of what that person's hand is or what their planned course of action is.
The only "tell" that you picked up from my last post was that I was making fun of you. And you didn't need to read tells for that. You could have just read the post.
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