Lady Gaga had a huge hit single called “Poker Face” in 2008, but when it concerns gambling, a poker face is something very different. This expression can come in very handy as a poker strategy because the other players cannot read “your hand” or the cards you’re holding. Hopefully, you walk away with the grand pot!
Calm, Cool and Collected
What is a poker face, or what does poker face mean, you ask?
Those are not silly questions; when you know how to maintain the look, you can take your seat at the card table. Poker-playing experts say that adopting a relaxed, neutral expression is how to have a poker face. It’s not a smirk or smug appearance, and you shouldn’t be showing your teeth. Keep your lips together, and relax your jaw muscles because tension is usually stored in this area of the face.
By having a zero expression of emotions, other players at the table cannot tell if you are happy, angry, unsure or frustrated. In other words, this poker strategy can give you power in the game.
The Finest Five-Card Hand
Poker remains one of the most popular card games worldwide and came into its own in the United States in the 1800s. Poker was a favorite during the Civil War, and many folks today enjoy heading to the casino to play their hand.
Can you get a Royal Flush? That would be the ultimate hand to have and includes an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten, all of the same suit. Imagine the joy you would feel if that were your poker hand. That’s why the poker face meaning is real and could be one of your strongest assets at the gaming table.
Having a stone face with no smile can keep your opponents guessing, and some professional poker players like wearing sunglasses during the game, so you can’t see what their eyes are saying. Are they bluffing, lying or excited? Who knows?
Expert Players With Mental Fortitude
If you want to develop as a great poker player and learn how to have a poker face, watch some of the pros and their unique poker strategy during famous tournaments. A lot of money is at stake in competing at the highest level.
Some wear sunglasses and have swagger. Others wear hoodies and visors, and several put on headphones to help them maintain mental fortitude and express supreme confidence. “Nacho” Barbero is one of poker fans’ favorite American Team players and one of the best in the game. He likes wearing dark aviator shades during poker, and no one has to remind Barbero “What does poker face mean?” He’s an exceptional winner and Argentina’s leading all-time money victor at $17,000,000!
Other higher rollers include Daniel Negreanu, Chris Brewer, Kristen Foxen, Justin Saliba and Cherish Andrews. Their incredible poker strategy styles allow them to rake in the big bucks every time they sit at the gaming table.
A Game of Supreme Strategy and Skill
Are you still asking “What is a poker face?”
The more you play and watch the game, the easier it’ll be to understand the poker face meaning and value. Some pros also like playing with their poker chips to mislead their opponents and gain a competitive edge. You can shuffle, twirl and roll your chips to displace any nervous energy.
Just keep your face expressionless and your body relaxed at all times. Remember, “All you need is a chip and a chair.”