1. Becoming a Permanent Player

Once in a game, the good player gets a repeat invitation by making the other players feel favorable and obligated toward him. He does that with “thoughtful” gestures such as—

• lending money at the first opportunity
• offering his own cigars, candy, and gum to the players (even if he does not smoke, eat candy, or chew gum)
• helping to pick up the cards between deals
• sympathizing with losers
• praising winners
• complimenting good plays of his opponents
• helping to clean up after the game
• offering to bring refreshments (especially beer) to the next game.

If the new game is financially worthwhile, the good player plans his behavior to get a permanent invitation by—

• avoiding the image of being a tight or a tough player
• keeping quiet about his activities in other poker games.

The good player generally will not press for maximum edge odds until he becomes a permanent player. Once a permanent player, he concentrates on taking control of the game. He builds the ego of key players (those with important influence over the game) in order to gain their friendship and confidence. With the support of key players, he is in a strong position to take control of the game.

The first time John Finn played in the Monday night game, he was a nice fellow—humble, quiet, even timid— and very considerate in passing out his cigars and admiring everyone’s poker skill. Best of all, he lost money and played loose. And he never slowed down the game or irritated anyone.

A fish, an ideal player, a nice guy—so everyone thought. How about those nutty plays he makes? Raising, then drawing four or five cards. Loosest player I’ve ever seen. Did you see how he lent Sid $50 even though Sid never even asked him for it? He even offered to pick up the refreshments for the next game. Sure hope he becomes a regular player. At least he’ll come back next week to collect Sid’s loan.

Over the next few sessions, John put zest into the game. He played wild, exciting poker. Everyone knew he was bound to be a big loser. His popularity grew; his friendships deepened. He established himself with supporters, and no one had an excuse to get rid of him. As soon as John became a permanent player, he began taking control of the game. Five years later, he had taken $90,000 from the game, but was just as popular. John Finn never gave anyone a reason to dislike him.

In public games (casino or club poker) or in other one-shot games, especially those with strangers, the good player will press for immediate and maximum advantages over his opponents. Many of his tactics are opposite to those he would use in regular games: His behavior in one-time games may be almost unbearably tough, unfriendly, and aggressive. He concentrates on extracting money at a maximum rate from the weakest players. He is not concerned about being a nice fellow if his opponents have no future value to him.