I think poker players may seem "awkward" to some because many of them are very intelligent.
I think anyone can play poker. However, I also think you must have higher than average intelligence to play poker well. Many people I have known over the years that are very intelligent are awkward socially to some degree.
I think really smart people have a lot going on in their minds. They may not seem as normal as others.
Less intelligent people have it easier in some aspects. "Ignorance is bliss."
I have read in a few places that people with high I.Q. over-think many things, and are prone to stress. There were also theories that intelligent people are more likely to have mental problems (bi-polar, social anxiety, depression, OCD, etc.). A less intelligent person simply does not think on the same level, and therefore all of life's little problems affect them less. I don't know if any of this is fact - or theory. I don't remember.
This may not make any sense at all. I thought I would throw it out there anyways.
That is all.