Learn Texas Holdem

Question: When playing in a tournament and not knowing anyone, how much of an influence does another player's appearance have on your perception of how they will play? For example, a neatly dressed guy would play tight, as opposed to a "young punk" playing loose with his big ego (or showing off in front of a girlfriend)? Not to make it a psychological profile, but do people play accoridingly to how they look?

Answer: That's an interesting question. I've never heard or read anything about judging someone's poker play by their appearance but my friend and I have often talked about it. I can give you a few generalizations that I've seen, all though they don't have anything to do with the way a person is dressed. I haven't seen any patterns based on clothing but I have seen some trends with how people bet with their chips.

People who bet really quickly with their chips, slam them down, and act really quickly usually are more aggressive players. It doesn't mean they are good, or even that they have a good hand, just that they like to bet and intimidate people. Always be more afraid of a subtle raise then a raise where someone shoves their chips in and tries to stare you down.

Now as for my generalizations:

Young Asian Men (below 30) -- really aggressive.

Young Asian Women (below 30) -- really aggressive like their male counterpart or very tight.

Old Women (seniors) -- tight passive.

Middle Aged Women -- loose passive.

Young White Men (below 30) -- new to holdem and aren't tricky players. Just straight forward book play.

Short Young Men (below 30) -- tend to be loud and animated.

Those are the ones that stand out to me right now. There are definitely exceptions but generally speaking at a cardroom these stereotypes will hold up. The majority of poker players are males 35 and up but that may change soon with poker gaining so much popularity. When I sit down at a poker table most of the time the players will be in that 35 and up male bracket and I'll have to wait to see what type of players they are.

When you run into a pro, he will be the guy that just has a calm cool confident style of play. Even if he is losing he won't look like he has lost control. You'll be able to sense that he has complete confidence in his strategy -- you'll notice how he will both be intune with the game but detached at the same time. Lastly, he won't be the guy banging chips and yelling at dealers, he will be the guy that quietly wins and wishes everyone a good night and leaves.