It is not uncommon to see professionals regularly playing medium stakes adopt the sulky bully persona. With the somber shades-and-cap, unsmiling, untalkative Tulkinghorn image you are not only likely to attract other and better skilled shadow-warriors, but, looking like a scarecrow, you are likely also to scare away those players who would otherwise constitute the bulk of your overall income.

The average amateur is looking to join in a poker game for some fun and is not really concerned whether he wins or loses. He’s looking for a way to spend some time with people, a chance to get away from the office routine, or to play with real people instead of online. He’s going to zero in on a table where everyone seems friendly, relaxed and having a good time. He is not looking for skilled poker players, just those who enjoy the game and each other’s company.

For a player intending to earn a regular income, it is important to be able to cater to these basic desires of the average amateur. Each amateur will not loose much, but if you entice a constant stream of them you will constantly gain. Moreover, an amateur is likely to stay longer at a table, dare more, bet higher, and loose more with a good will if they are having a good time.

The table where no one looks at anyone else, where no conversation is going on, and everyone is pretty much disguised so no faces can be seen, is keeping the amateurs away in droves.

On the other hand, a good conversation and a sense of humor combined with a slightly flattering play which keeps the amateur trusting he has a chance will increase the chances of that player coming back for more next time, perhaps even specifically seeking out your table. Since they do not play for the money or the excitement of high stakes, they will not regret as much having lost to an entertaining player.

The professional will keep these weaker players in a good mood and enjoying themselves while he fleeces them for as much as he can. He will make them believe that luck is on their side and, of course, it will be occasionally, such is the nature of luck. The pro will never emit signs of disgust or indifference. He will not be arrogant or intimidating. He also wants everyone to have a good time at his game.

Top professionals carefully invent their poker persona. Their key to success lies not only in superior technique but often in the ability to create, through persona and ability to manipulate the game cleverly, situations which project a positive experience for their unsuspecting prey. They make sure that those who are about to loose salute them.