A lot can be said about table image these days. In fact, table image is described as how other players at your table view you as a player. Do they see you as tight player? Do they view you as a loose-aggressive player? Maybe they see a maniac that will throw his chips inwith anything? Do they consider you weak or strong? This is table image.
However table image has taken on a whole new facet. Head phones, goofy sunglasses, and hooded sweatshirts to hide ones face, and even costumes and masks are common place at the tables these days. I could sit at a table and listen to my Ipod with oversized headphones instead of watching the action. I could very easily sport some ridiculous sunglasses and attire and cover my face with a hood. Or, if I’m feeling somewhat feral, I could cover my entire face with a mask. But, when the cards are dealt and the pots are won, none of these make me a better player. None of these will win me a pot and by far, none of these will earn me respect at the table. We don’t need goofy sunglasses and costumes. We need respectable play by respectable players.

To some pro players these are their trademarks:
The Phil Hellmuth Oakley’s with the oversized headphones, the Phil Laak Unabomber hoody and the Greg Raymer goofy sunglasses. One thing we overlook is that these players are supporting a TV image and not a table image.
These top players are regularly on TV and in the media and use this publicity for economic gain. That image is important to them as an advertising device, not a table image to entertain other players while at the table.  Some players say this untamed approach of peculiarity is a distraction to the other players. A way to knock them off their game if you will. If that’s you, I feel the only one being sidetracked is you. Imagine Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees walking to the plate with some goofy fedora or even yet dressed as the Crazy Chicken in a feeble attempt to distract the pitcher into throwing the wrong pitch. One thing’s for sure; It would certainly give Derek Jeter a disadvantage just as it does to the poker player who spends more time figuring out his eccentric wardrobe than he does enhancing his game. Let’s do everyone a favor and concentrate on winning poker and leave the shenanigans and Halloween costumes to the kids. So until you are fortunate enough to be at the final table of a Nationally televised event, do your best at not being an impressionist, bonehead at the tables.



Don P.
Straightflop.com

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