There was a time when playing poker was a huge part of my life, I would play for fun with friends, enter small competitions and occasionally play online. At first it was a bit of fun but then I realised that it wasn’t about the luck of the draw, the game involved a combination of skill, luck and the ability to keep a straight face when bluffing like there was no tomorrow.
I mastered how to work out the odds of winning based upon the hand I was dealt but always struggled to keep a straight face if I was dealt pocket Aces or Kings (that’s the poker lingo for a pair). When I was asked if I would take a look at a video of the Greatest Poker Hands from Pokerstars.com where a player, Benny Spindler was re-writing the gamebook when facing off against other players I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
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When I get a good hand I get a twitch or I become very aware that my eyes are darting around the table - in the video Benny has an average hand and then uses his chips to bet his opponents out of the game. Players with fairly reasonable hands bet and then fold as he stays ice cool through the process before finally having the stones to go all in (that’s bet all your chips) and steal the entire pot.
As the video progresses it’s strange that you can actually feel the tension - even the commentators are at a loss as to how he is playing.
For me, watching made me realise three things:
- I’m not cut out to be a professional poker player
- I should grow my hair longer to hide my darting eyes when I play face to face in a tournament
- I get really nervous watching other people play!
After being asked to take a look at this video I’ve been watching more of the series on Youtube to try and get a better feeling for how to read players and I would strongly recommend watching the series to anyone who has an interest in poker as a recreational activity.
You can watch the video here - it is unbelievable:
*This post contains a sponsored link
Unfortunately, I manage to get myself very confused with poker. I'm not very good at bluffing either! This looks useful for poker players though.
ReplyDeleteAll I know about poker is from movies. I never played it in my life. Don't grow hair like Benny's, it's not flattering at all. ;)
ReplyDeleteMy ex was a big poker player, he was a tad bit addicted to it tbh. he did show me how to play but I could never get the hang of it, which is lucky as if I was any good I'd end up getting addicted myself! I do enjoy watching others play it though, it is a game of skill and luck!
ReplyDeleteJustJulie | Beauty Blog
Nice post..I have never played poker ever but seen a lot in movies.. Am sure this must have helped many poker players... :)
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how to play poker so this was interesting :)
ReplyDeleteCaroline
www.my-family-ties.com
Gosh, it's been ages since we had a poker night - I'm not very good at it, but it's a laugh and a fun night with friends!
ReplyDeleteNever played poker before but my partner has a couple of times.
ReplyDeleteSophie
Xx
www.pocockins.co.uk
I used to play online but without betting actual money because i just like the game, don't do it for the money. I am also a terrible poker-face..lol. long bangs definitely helps!!!
ReplyDeleteAlice
I wish I could play Poker but I'm useless! :)
ReplyDeleteHopefully I'll get to learn properly one day!
x
My husband can play but I can't hide my hand for the life of me.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried playing poker before but think it could be fun to learn.
ReplyDeleteI have never tried to play poker x
ReplyDeleteHave never played Poker, would be utterly useless at it as I would just sit there grinning inanely. More of a blackjack girl really.
ReplyDeleteI have never played poker but I really wanted to learn :) All I know is what card will win. lol
ReplyDeleteI can't play poker at all! I always lose :(
ReplyDeleteLaura
Pink Frenzy
You know how awful I am at Poker, I get a good hand and want to go all in x
ReplyDeleteI've only ever played poker once - it was lots of fun and I did pretty ell but sure it was just beginners luck!
ReplyDeletegreat post for poker players ... but i have never played it lol
ReplyDeleteI am no card player, but my brother loves it - and makes money pretty often!
ReplyDeleteI have never played poker, but my brother loves it
ReplyDeleteMy D loves Poker! Both online and offline. I'll have to point him in the direction of your post.
ReplyDeleteI am a total card noob sadly, I even get confused playing Patience by myself!
ReplyDeleteI honestly wish I knew how to play well, I understand the game, but would never gamble because that's how bad I am ;)
ReplyDeleteI used to play poker at college not for money though but polo mints . Good post
ReplyDeleteI love playing poker but not sure I'd ever be very good at it
ReplyDeleteNow I get the idea of "poker face" :) I was quite good at that one though..
ReplyDeletegreat rules
ReplyDeleteAll poker rules depend on a straightforward statute, that each player has the option to wager that his hand is superior to all the others. So if both online poker rules and gambling club poker standards are generally identical then is it worth even writing about the other differences.
ReplyDeletePoker in all its variants has a number of rules that remain constant. These can be either written poker rules considered laws of the game or unwritten poker rules - generally accepted game etiquette. Click here
ReplyDeleteBefore you start playing club poker, knowing every clubhouse poker rule that applies is key to being effective. Without doing this, you can anticipate losing a great deal of mixture amid these run of the mill high stakes amusements.
ReplyDelete