Why be anything other than Stoic when playing?

[Pokerstudy]

I see no point in being anything other than Stoic at a poker table, you are there to make money. Anything you do gives off a tell...treat it like a job, like work, these people are out to get your money, don't give them anything to use against you.

I get it, it is tedious to sit there for hours and not be bored, but I am not looking to play poker to be cool, or to make friends, or to fit in. I am also not a jerk, I will talk and be friendly/cool whatever, but not about to try and be fancy with crazy call downs to be "cool" or take it personal in any way, there is no point.
These people want your money lol.
That is not friendly IMO, but, I think, there is a balance.

I love the game, I love the community, I just don't love it 'DURING' the game. Outside of the game in discussion is where I feel the love in talking poker.

During the game, it's competition, like I said, I will play along in conversation and not be a jerk, but I am not about to 'not' pay attention (or try to win a conversation, be cool, whatever) while money is at stake with everyone trying to get money off me, that (to me) is asinine.

There is a balance of not ruining the whole Poker Vibe (fun)...and I get that, but I am not there to hang out while we chat about various whatever with money at stake, I am there to play cards and make money.

 

[crazycitizen]

I agree with you for the most part.
But ya gotta enjoy yourself sometimes ^^
Also not everyone plays poker to make money...A crazy concept I know

 

[Pokerstudy]

I agree with you for the most part.
But ya gotta enjoy yourself sometimes ^^
Also not everyone plays poker to make money...A crazy concept I know

I am only playing poker (or should say studying) to make money to create art in other projects...I do love the game for fun, I just have no interest to be the best at this game, I just want to make extra money to afford other artistic ideas...It is not because of greed, believe it or not

 

[Phoenix Wright]

I see no point in being anything other than Stoic at a poker table, you are there to make money. Anything you do gives off a tell...treat it like a job, like work, these people are out to get your money, don't give them anything to use against you.

I get it, it is tedious to sit there for hours and not be bored, but I am not looking to play poker to be cool, or to make friends, or to fit in. I am also not a jerk, I will talk and be friendly/cool whatever, but not about to try and be fancy with crazy call downs to be "cool" or take it personal in any way, there is no point.
These people want your money lol.
That is not friendly IMO, but, I think, there is a balance.

I love the game, I love the community, I just don't love it 'DURING' the game. Outside of the game in discussion is where I feel the love in talking poker.

During the game, it's competition, like I said, I will play along in conversation and not be a jerk, but I am not about to 'not' pay attention (or try to win a conversation, be cool, whatever) while money is at stake with everyone trying to get money off me, that (to me) is asinine.

There is a balance of not ruining the whole Poker Vibe (fun)...and I get that, but I am not there to hang out while we chat about various whatever with money at stake, I am there to play cards and make money.

Mostly I agree and this same mindset is the reason for Phil Hellmuth's iconic positioning with his hands covering his mouth while he leans his head (he learned this from retired FBI agent Joe Navarro and included this in the book Read 'em and Reap).

The exception to being "stoic" is when you can potentially gain more than the chance of revealing information you give. Daniel Negreanu's table talk is the perfect example of this. His personality allows him to get the others interacting with him and his chatter helps him extract reads and tells off of his opponents.

Being stoic (poker face) has the point of not revealing information, but conversely, the lack interaction provokes tells from others less.

 

[Pokerstudy]

Listening to an audiobook on stoicism and it is fascinating, for me it’s more about mastering my emotions internally when playing. I just don’t want to let this game effect me, no game with an element of luck should dictate/effect emotions IMO (Control your perceptions, direct your actions properly, willingly accept what’s outside your control), which I am working on

I’ve just never been a gambler…I think the only reason I would enjoy being at a casino other than to play cards is to see a show or eat some awesome food..Last time I was in Vegas I was on a shuttle to the hotel and this dude was straight tweaking out, shaking and couldn’t sit still, he was high on getting to the gambling, I swore I would never end up like that no matter what lol

 

[Poker_Mike]

I see no point in being anything other than Stoic at a poker table, you are there to make money. Anything you do gives off a tell...treat it like a job, like work, these people are out to get your money, don't give them anything to use against you.

I get it, it is tedious to sit there for hours and not be bored, but I am not looking to play poker to be cool, or to make friends, or to fit in. I am also not a jerk, I will talk and be friendly/cool whatever, but not about to try and be fancy with crazy call downs to be "cool" or take it personal in any way, there is no point.
These people want your money lol.
That is not friendly IMO, but, I think, there is a balance.

I love the game, I love the community, I just don't love it 'DURING' the game. Outside of the game in discussion is where I feel the love in talking poker.

During the game, it's competition, like I said, I will play along in conversation and not be a jerk, but I am not about to 'not' pay attention (or try to win a conversation, be cool, whatever) while money is at stake with everyone trying to get money off me, that (to me) is asinine.

There is a balance of not ruining the whole Poker Vibe (fun)...and I get that, but I am not there to hang out while we chat about various whatever with money at stake, I am there to play cards and make money.

So I think I kinda understand what you are saying - lol !

I have a buddy (good player) - who will talk during all his hands and tell stories - and makes fish feel validated emotionally as they are shipping him their chip stacks.

I'm always impressed when I see him in action - but I have actually seen players ship their stacks to him and he makes them feel really good about it - like they are a hero as they are walking away from the table empty handed. Amazing!

So - not saying your stoicism is wrong for you - just trying to give you a different perspective.

Good luck !