The death of table talk....

stephenoleary

Has anybody else noticed that table talk, even a bit of friendly banter, is becoming extinct? It has gotten to the sad stage that some people are so hyper sensitive that any comment, analysis, or criticism, no matter how mild, is taken as a personal insult.....

Speech play, or the lack of it, is often dictated by what the dealer at a particular table allows. However, I am referring to the banter after a hand, or the questioning of a play by another player. Last night, while playing in a live game, a hand unfolded in which I was not involved.

Following the end of the hand, I passed comment on what had happened to the player next to me (who wasn't invloved either), and one of the players who was involved, (the guy who lost), became irritated. He gave out to me for discussing the hand and asked me if I was some sort of expert, etc, etc.

I told him that it certainly wasn't my intention to insult him, or his play, and that I was merely curious as to the decisions he made. This wasn't good enough for him, so, I got up and left.

I don't expect anybody who loses a hand to be very happy, but there is an element of chance in poker, and sometimes, you lose. Why is it that some players feel the need to take this out on other players at the table?

kincsem

I like a bit of chat and gentle comment. I enjoy the game more when there is a bit of banter / slagging / wit.

As long as you didn't point at him and shout "loser".

ditpoker

i agree completely... have played alot of live games recently and there are some tables that are just so quiet that unless you are getting cards and involved in the action it can get very boring...

some of the most fun i've had at poker tables is when there's loads of banter, regardless of whether your winning...

Lucky Lloyd "what you got olly?"
Ollie-Boy "doesn't matter - you'll outdraw me anyway you lucky ******!"
Lucky Lloyd "you've lovely eyes olly!"
Ollie-Boy "ah **** that, i fold!"

classic! thats proper table banter!

a-k-47

i play in a local league every monday, 40 lads all from same area, great banter

Pokerguru

I enjoy some friendly banter while playing live too. I do refrain from commenting on how a hand was played though. There are some players who after losing a pot will take any comment, friendly or not, as an excuse to vent their anger. There are a couple of players in the Fitz who are notorious for this. When they're winning they will sit there all smug and superior. They will join in the banter and comment on other players play. When they're losing they are like bears with sore heads. They will sit there brooding, making snide remarks, and take offense at any banter or comment, whether it be friendly or not. If you get 2 or more players at a table like this the atmosphere can be horrendous. When this happens I usually find another table or just leave.

connie147

I love the banter as well at the live tables, but one thing ive noticed since opening the card club about table talk ,needs airing.There is (thankfully) new players moving to live games in card rooms who are only used to pub games and internet poker. Obviously they are pretty nervous of playing under proper conditions with what they consider better players.but when they get lucky by outdrawing an opponent,sometimes they can suffer a tirade of abuse as "how the **** can you call a raise with A-7 sooooted" etc. etc. etc. now i can assure you,players are lost to the card rooms because of this behavior as it is my buisness to know these things and when ive followed up why some new players havent returned to play,this seems to be the common reason. until they improve as players,they are not able to understand the constructive criticism and analysis of a hand.Im not saying it shouldnt be done but i am saying the experience of the player in question should be taken into consideration.Im sure its not in our best interests to hunt the players back to the pub game culture.Sorry for going on a bit but its something I feel is worth discussion.

super_furry

connie147 wrote:

Im sure its not in our best interests to hunt the players back to the pub game culture.Sorry for going on a bit but its something I feel is worth discussion.

That’s a point I was going to make. I know of two people who went to a card club (that shall remain nameless) for the first time and were so put off and intimidated by the experience that they decided to stick to the ‘friendlier’ pub tournaments.

DeVore

Funny I havent noticed my tables being quiet at all


DeV.

Derek C.

I find banter at a Pub tournie is usually a great laugh. In casino's I wouldn't tend to do as much because I'm not sure how a stranger would take it.

I was in The Merrion long time ago and a very familiar (fat) guy with glasses who is always shouting and roaring in there was belittling a first time player after nearly every hand because he didn't think he played it right or should have thrown it away. Eventually it got on my nerves and I had to almost roar at him to shut the Vuck up and leave him alone. I'd be surprised if this guy enjoyed his casino experience or ever came back.

smurph

DeVore wrote:

Funny I havent noticed my tables being quiet at all


DeV.

Nice comment Tom, considering you are the biggest chatter box I know. "Wait til i tell you a funny story and oh by the way make a monstrous raise half way through the story" classic. I always like being at your table tom although you are a sh*t to read. I personally think the ipods have ruined the chit chat. I have used them a few times myself when someone at the table is annoying me, or im sitting in a noisy area. I always like chat at the table, it relaxes people and is good for the game.

5starpool

I like a good bit oif banter at the table, and there usually is a good bit, as far as my experiences go. Probably doesn't harm, the fact that I know most people who play even semi regularly in the Fitz.

Most enjoyable point of last weekend (sad life I lead).......

Ordered toasted sandwich, went to pay and was told sandwiches are being comped for regulars. There is good and bad in that statement though.