How can I keep a better Poker Face?

Question

I am really really bad at it......

Answer 1

Two points:

1.  Most people have a tendency to look at their cards right after they're dealt.  Don't do this.  Instead, watch everyone else looking at their cards and then when it's your turn, look at your cards.  This has a twofold benefit:

A.  You'll get to see other people's reactions to their cards.

B.  Generally after people look at their cards, all they're thinking is "I wonder if anyone can tell what I have!" so that by the time you look at yours, you realize everyone's really concerned with covering their own tells, not reading yours.  This is actually why some pros will play "blind" (without looking at their cards at all).

2.  Don't even worry about it.  The common stereotype of a poker face is an action hero "tough guy" look, a look that would make Data from Star Trek look overwrought with emotion.  Not true.  Watch a little poker TV.  You'll see a good number of the players laughing, talking, joking, reacting, etc.  The key is, they're all RELAXED AND BEING THEMSELVES.  The minute THAT changes, they no longer have a poker face.  So if you're a talkative, bubbly individual, just be that person whether you have pocket aces or 6-2.  The more you try and fake it, the easier you'll be to figure out.

Answer 2

Smoke a bowl before you play.

Now this is not recomended for everyone and I'm not saying to go out and buy a pound. If it is something you are not against, then give it a try.

Smoking weed seems to make the emotions fade away. Its hard to show excitment when your baked because you're feeling too lazy to move. : )

Also when you smoke, you seem to kind of zone out a little bit. And when your zoned out you are not thinking of your hand so its hard for someone to get a read on you staring off into space.

Also you can try looking at one card at a time. If you look down and see pocket Aces, you get pumped up a little. But if you look down at one card first, its an Ace, cool, no big deal. Then peak at the other one, and its an Ace, cool, again, no big deal.

Always stay relaxed. And think about other things. Try singing a song in your head when you look at your cards. Its tough to think about multiple things at the same time when singing in your head.

Answer 3

just think about something sad.

and dont forget your sunnies. ;]

Answer 4

wear glasses...

don't look at your cards until it is your turn to act...

what I tend to do to keep my face "straight" is bite my tongue...

Answer 5

React the same way you do to a bad hand that you do to a good hand.

Answer 6

If you can not control your somber expression, then go the other extreme.. create soooo many fake tells and expressions that it becomes too confusing to read you

Answer 7

Don't think about what hand you have. If you forget what's in your hand you won't know how to react! ;)

Answer 8

either imagine all around you are naked or think of stuff that really turns you off!

Answer 9

wear a mask