4. Arguments and Emotional Situations

The good player avoids involvement in emotional situations such as—

• personal disputes and arguments
• personal problems
• exposing cheaters.

He avoids involvement by outwardly ignoring the situation. The good player will, however, study an emotional situation in order to exploit it. He intervenes only in those situations that could cost him money. For example, he steps in to prevent a loser from quitting the game because of a personal argument.

When the good player faces a potential argument, he controls the situation either by yielding quickly or by standing firm. He avoids taking positions that he may have to compromise or yield. He takes a firm position only when financially profitable. When in doubt about yielding or holding firm, he usually yields before a confrontation occurs.

Sid’s loud mouth constantly bellows good-natured insults at the players. Professor Merck does not like Sid to tease him about his mustache, his tight playing, or his beret. He tells Sid to stop. But Sid Bennett grins and rides him even harder by calling him a dirty old man. Quintin accuses Sid of running a-dishonest roadpaving business and calls him a pasty-faced crook. Sid shouts back louder insults. Since their bickering hurts their poker playing, John increases his winnings from the upset men… But their animosity increases each week and John begins to worry. Blows are nearly exchanged when Quintin threatens to expose Sid’s payola on city paving contracts. Sid threatens to sue him for slander and then calls him a queer. Squinting his green eyes, Quintin cracks the edge of his hand on the table and threatens Sid with a karate blow. Sid vibrates his big fist close to Quintin’s nose, calls him a queer again, and then storms out of the house while shouting that either he or Quintin must quit the game.

Fearing that Sid may quit, John telephones both men the next day and settles their argument. He explains how their feud is hurting their playing and is costing them money. They both agree and thank him for straightening out their problem.

John made extra money from their feuding. But when the feud almost caused the loss of the biggest loser, John stepped in and eliminated their argument in a way that improved his image as a desirable player.