Cindy Griffin

Hello!

My name is Cindy and I have been writing new stories for the last 4 years. I originally got into printed journalism while I was a housewife where I used to be one of a selection of people who reviewed the news from unique perspectives (mine being a full time mum). After a few years of writing and once my second son was old enough to be attending nursery I applied for a job writing content online.

I was originally part of a large company of work at home employees who were given stories and deadlines and I enjoyed the balance I had between a work and home life, as I grew older I decided to expand into freelance writing. With my children a little older now (12 and 15) I have more time to manage my projects, one of which is researching and writing articles for WassOnline!

Published on 04/28/2008

This article is tailored towards more experienced players. It aims to encourage fair play and sportsmanship in the world of online poker in order to build a reputation as not only a good player, but a respected player.

Almost every poker player would agree that the world of online poker could be calloused. It is essential to create an impression that will not only inspire caution but also demand respect from your opponents. This impression can be partially created by the manner in which you play and also through your conduct at the table. The best way of getting respect from your opponents in online poker is to follow the poker table etiquettes. The last thing you would want is to be escorted out of a poker room by a security guard, be it a casino or your local card room.

When you play at a Texas Hold’em poker table, you assume that all your opponents know how to play and are good players until they prove otherwise. If you ever get a chance to play with opponents who are unfamiliar to you, observe them during the first few hands they play and let them prove their weakness rather than assuming arrogantly that they are not good. You can respect the game and yourself only by assuming that your opponents could be strong competition.

Observe how your opponents are playing the first hand, have respect for their bets and assume that they can be a threat to you until you get a feel of their style. Never get too aggressive or bold in the initial stages against any unfamiliar player because there are chances that you will regret to find out that the player who raised early is a very strong opponent and he got an early good pocket hand rather than playing immature, as assumed by you.

Respect in poker is something that does not come as part of simple etiquettes or as human. It is more about the judgment of merit of an opponent’s bet. Poker players who ‘raise’ should be respected. But there are few habitual raisers who don’t deserve respect. However, make sure that every player has been analyzed separately before labeling anyone in the wrong manner. In case a poker player has proved that he or she is a strong or worthy opponent, you must display your respect for that player as an individual and through your game. You can learn this virtue from many experienced players.

Always remember to have respect for the game, your opponents and most of all yourself, by keeping calm and not being a temperamental, hot headed, spoil sport. Before you start playing, you must always tell yourself that no matter how you play, whether you win or lose, you will handle it with ease. If you feel that you cannot control your emotions, it is better not to start playing.

You can be a very good poker player if you realize how important it is to have respect for the game, players and yourself. If you don’t respect yourself you will never be confident and make the right decision at the table. It will help if you have control on your emotions and actions. Always remember that a game cannot be mastered until you have mastered yourself.