ipods

jtsuited

so let's get this debate going: Are ipods a possible hindrance to your chances of doing well in a tourney? I've been debating whether to bring mine along recently.
On the upside, they can ease the boredom when your playing tight and safe. On the downside you may be missing things in other hands that you should be looking out for eg. tones of voices when people check, raise or call. I only mention this point because when i was playing on saturday in the fitz I spent the whole time analyzing the guy who was dealing's voice when he raised. I started putting him on cards pretty quickly. At the final table, we're sitting on the bubble and i'm doin alright but looks like a double-up is needed soon. I get pocket 10's in the SB and the guy who was dealing at my first table in the BB. He raises all in. Now I hate pocket 10's but in this situation I'd play them against anything but a higher pocket pair. but immediately I knew from his voice he had them. i fold and lo and behold he throws over pocket jacks.
granted this is on the insane side of tight but it turned out to be worth it.
yet i am torn between keeping ultra observant and risking playing marginal hands because of boredom. Or listen to the ipod and play tight.

answers on a postcard to....

cormie

I love my music and I love my poker but I've brought my IHP to games before and I just end up turning it off. There is too much going on around you to be listening to music. Especially with earphones in both ears, maybe a bit of low volumed classical music in one ear is ok. I've seen some high rollers listen to them, I haven't been to the casino in a while but I'm guessing they don't still listen to them. I could and may be wrong though.

In a freeroll you will get allot of people who are students (ipods are very popular amongst students) and who wouldn't have the skills to pick up tells yet.

If I were you I'd leave it in your pocket (bring it for the journey) and concentrate on your tells and the game.

NickyOD

When I played in the Winter Festival in the Macau last December there were 2 players at my table both listening to iPods. Both players were very good but completely different styles. One very tight, the other very very loose. I tihnk they went into the first break as the table chipleaders.

Personally I think there is too much you need to be paying attention to. There is a hell of a lot you can pick up on in the table chat. You can tell exactly the kind of experience a certain player has and how he is likely going to play from just one comment he might make ona hand and that's something I wouldn't want to miss.

On the other hand if there is a player at the table who is talking **** to me and ****ing up my concentration I can see some value in it.

ionapaul

I take my iPod shuffle along with me to the Fitz and Merrion, but don't think I have ever actually used it. There is usually a bit a craic to be had at each table (I enjoy listening to the usual suspects), the only time when it really quietens down is at the final table, where I try to play my best game and don't need the distraction of music.

DeVore

I'm quite like Ionapaul, I'll have my mp3 player in my pocket incase i get some hugely annoying assh*le beside me in which case I use it as a barrier to conversation. Thats the only time I use both earphones. Sometimes if I am super chip leader I want to amuse myself to keep from limping for "fun" I'll listen to it too. Havent used it for a while now.

DeV.

Dub13

DeVore wrote:

I'll have my mp3 player in my pocket incase i get some hugely annoying assh*le beside me

DeV.

You know what you have done today tom....made everybody take a few mins out of their busy lives and think if they have ever sat beside you when you had your mp3 player in....

mewso

I prefer to connect the phrase "Haven't used it for a while now" with "if I am a super chip leader"

Gordon

I was hoping this thread would be about improving ones solitaire game on my iPod. I'm averaging at 95% loss on my mini, any tips appreciated!