The Perfect Poker Game

Justin is one of my regular readers and a member of LatestCasinoBonuses.Com. After reading some of my columns on poker, he decided to give the game a try. He lives in Albuquerque, N.M. which has an abundance of casinos that provide live poker for patrons and came up with an interesting question.

There are a lot of different poker games in a casino, he writes. How can I find the best one to play so I can enjoy myself and maximize my profits?

That question is one even the veteran poker players might argue over. Her is my answer based on my 30-plus years of playing the world's most popular gambling card game.

First, observe the action at the various tables where the limits fit your bankroll. If the players are deadly serious about the game -- no talking, no joking, nothing but serious poker play, avoid that table like the plague.

There is a social element to poker that makes a good game. A good poker table is one where the players are friendly with one another. They joke with each other and with the dealer. While they are serious about winning, they don't lose their cool if they suffer a bad beat or two. They realize it's part of the game and take the losses in stride.

I have sat down at poker tables where the tension was so thick, you could cut it with a knife.

The players argue. They fight about posting the blinds. They maintain poker faces that leave no room for a smile. You get the feeling that the players are muggers who are involved in legalized thievery.

Dealers tolerate such behavior but they don't like to deal in such games. One dealer told me, 'These guys are so tense, they're on the verge of suffering a stroke or heart attack. I'll work my shift, but when it's over, I feel a surge of relief. Poker should be a game off enjoyment, not constant tension and irritation.'

No, Justin should look for a table where the players are full of smiles. It will be much more pleasant for him and he will find the game easier to beat. There is an old saying about karma -- what goes around, comes around.

When you find a perfect poker game, join in the fun. Joke with the other players. If you catch a miracle card on the flop, turn or river, don't gloat over the players you beat. Make a self-depreciating remark, hopefully one that shows a sense of humor. Make the other players laugh or at least smile. It will pay dividends in the long run.

The dynamics of poker are such that no game stays perfect forever. Players will pick up their chips and be replaced by other people who are not in the mood for friendly kibitzing. When the nature of the game changes, you should consider changing tables.

Get to know the players at your table on a first-name basis. Ask a couple of personal questions like where do they call home and how long have they been playing the game. I have made some good friends at poker tables and even found a good mechanic, a good dentist and a few other professionals that have made my life better.

Remember, poker is only a game. It's part of life and life is to be enjoyed. Joking, smiling, taking the good with the bad are all a part of life. And if you are serious about finding the perfect poker game, look for it in the right places and don't settle for less than the best.

Author: Geno Lawrenzi Jr.

(Geno Lawrenzi Jr. is an international journalist, magazine author and ghostwriter and poker player who lives in Phoenx, AZ. He has published 2,000 articles in 50 magazines and 125 newspapers. If you want to share a gambling story or book idea with him, send an email to glawrenzi@gmail.com ).