b. Congenial

Unfriendly and intimidating behavior is undesirable for most friendly or regular private games. Unpleasant behavior could break up the game, result in expulsion from the game, or cause valuable losers to quit. Congenial behavior is often necessary in such games. But most friendly traditions are disadvantageous to the good player, such as—

• no betting when only two remain in a hand
• no betting a lock hand (a sure winner)
• no squeeze raising when only three players are in a split-pot game.

Occasional but dramatic displays of friendly traditions will usually satisfy the other players.

Sometimes John Finn is the most congenial player in the game. At other times, he is not so congenial. He always behaves in a way that offers him the greatest advantages.

How can John switch his personality to fit the game? He keeps himself free from emotional ties to the game and the players. That allows him to think objectively and define what behavior offers the most advantage. For example, he will drive a good player out of the game with unfriendly behavior (see Concept 108). Why will he do that? Another good player would increase the financial strain on the losers, which in turn would cost John some of his profits to keep those losers in the game. In other words, a good player would cost John money … so why let him play? Why not replace him with a more profitable, poor player?