Jul

21

Poker and Shades (and how to choose the best poker sunglasses!!)

Filed Under Designer Sunglasses, Eyewear Knowledge, Fun with Eyewear 

pokerIn recent years, poker (and especially Texas Hold ‘em) has become extremely popular. So popular in fact, that sports networks are now airing major tournaments in prime time slots. The game has gained so much popularity that the internet if jam-packed with poker tutorials, poker rooms, chat topics and even products designed to help players.

One of the main things you’ll notice about the poker players at the winners table is their affinity for sunglasses. They do not merely pick these up at the casino gift shop. No, these bad boys are methodically chosen to enhance the player’s game. Essentially, poker is a game of two things: numbers and psychology. One can learn the numbers aspect of the game by reading poker guides (of which the internet offers plenty). However, learning to read another person and guess what cards they have is a skill that will take years to acquire. When the experts face each other in the final rounds of a tournament they put on their A game, and, incidentally, their shades and headphones.

            The shades are a necessity to block their expressions, so other players cannot glean their thoughts. Even the best player’s eyes give away a certain tell or a small dilation of the pupil, twitch of the eyebrow or twitch at the corner. Unless you are a hardened pro, you’ll want to find a pair of shades for your middle level games and tournaments. Remember, if the pros do it—it must work.

            When choosing the best shades for your A game, consider the following tidbits of advice learned from years of poker playing.

1)    Chose a pair of glasses that are not flashy, and do not attract attention. The last thing you want to do is point out that you are hiding something. Instead, find a pair that look natural on your face, and complement your appearance and blend in.

2)    Try to find shades that are as tinted as possible, so that the movements of your eyes are not visible through the glass. Try several pairs and have someone with you, ensuring that nothing can be seen. Make sure you try the shades in strong light, and bar lighting.

3)    Avoid mirror shades; though some poker players use them in the pros, you are more likely to give away your cards in the reflection than to intimidate your opponent. For the same reason, avoid reflective frames, which may gave away even the color of your cards, which could cost you the hand.

4)    Choose shades that cover your eyebrows, which are also often very full of expression. If not larger shades, than wear a hat or use your hair to cover your eyebrows. Remember that any expression, even a ploy- expression meant to trick your opponent, is bad to express. If your expressions are evident your opponent will know it is a trick, therefore there is no reason whatsoever to show facial expressions of any kind—especially for the intermediate or beginner players.

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