As most successful poker players know, being social at the table is key to success. In fact, a study by Robert J. Williams and Carrie A. Leonard found that social skills are one of the most important characteristics for winning the game. The researchers looked at experience levels, intelligence factors such as emotional intelligence, and other playing styles before coming to this conclusion.
Psychology has always been a central element of playing poker–some would say it matters more than the cards you’re dealt. “Playing the players, not the cards” is a common refrain among seasoned professionals for this reason.
But if you’re new to poker, what does that actually mean? Poker success isn’t only about being smart; it’s also about social intelligence, which includes being able to read people and understand how they operate within groups. The best poker players excel at this important skill, often rising to the top ranks of their field as a result.
Let’s find out the 7 social skills you need when playing poker:
Table of Contents
1) The Ability to Read People
This is perhaps the most important social skill for poker success. Being able to read your opponents–their tells, their body language, their betting patterns–can give you a huge advantage in the game. The best players are always observing their opponents and looking for tells that they can use to their advantage.
2) The Ability to Manage Your Own Emotions
In poker, as in life, it’s important to be able to keep your emotions in check. Getting too angry or too excited can cloud your judgment and lead you to make poor decisions. The best players are able to stay calm and collected, even in the face of adversity.
3) The Ability to Bluff
Bluffing is an important part of poker, and the best players are masters of the art. Being able to convincingly sell a lie can be the difference between winning and losing a hand. Bluffing requires both confidence and social intelligence–you need to be able to read your opponents and know when they’re likely to fold. Bluffing is also one of the most entertaining parts of poker, so it’s no wonder that many players enjoy it so much.
4) The Ability to Read Tells
A tell is any behavior that gives away information about a player’s hand. Experienced players are experts at reading tells, which can give them a big advantage in the game. The best players are always observing their opponents for tells that they can use to their advantage.
5) The Ability to Control the Tempo of the Game
The best players know how to control the pace of the game. They’re able to slow things down when they have a good hand and speed things up when they’re bluffing. This can be a difficult skill to master, but it’s essential for success.
6) The Ability to Make Decisions Quickly
In poker, as in life, quick thinking can be a valuable asset. The best players are able to make decisions quickly and efficiently, without second-guessing themselves. This allows them to take advantage of opportunities that others might miss. In poker online though, you can use a feature called “auto-muck” to make decisions quickly.
7) Problem-solving Abilities
Poker is particular in that the social talent of solving problems has to be dealt with differently than it would be in a regular social setting. In poker, players are always estimating stats, and odds, and striving to control presumptions based on both the data and intuition.
Many players find it impossible to ask for help from others when they’re having a losing streak. If you cannot wear your heart on your sleeve, you have to be able to problem-solve by yourself.
This requires the use of information at your disposal (known and unknown variables) in order to make the best decisions. Some people lack social skills and finds this an insurmountable challenge.
When playing poker, it’s always best to make decisions that protect your bankroll for when variance goes against you. Some players do better when they’re in social situations where they’re up against a challenge; others fold under pressure.
At the poker table, you will definitely be put to the test. Other experienced players might use psychological tricks to try and mess with you so that you second-guess yourself and your choices.
Being able to solve problems quickly and understanding the true situation will help you succeed in poker games. In all types of competitive games, players are regularly taunted by others.
For example, in cricket, sledding is a common form of verbal abuse, while rugby players may use hard tackles or pushes to get in another player’s face. In poker, this type of behavior may be more subtle or direct, but it always exists nonetheless.
