Poker is a game of skill, strategy, and probability, yet many players cling to superstitions in hopes of gaining an edge. From lucky charms to routine behaviors, these beliefs are widespread, even among seasoned professionals.
Everygame Poker, a platform known for competitive action and big tournaments, attracts players from all walks of life, many of whom bring their own superstitions to the table. Whether these beliefs stem from tradition, personal experience, or sheer habit, they continue to be a charming aspect of poker culture.
Let's explore some of the most common (and bizarre) poker superstitions and their origins.
The Power of Lucky Charms and Clothing
Many poker players swear by lucky objects, believing they influence the game's outcome. A classic example is Johnny Chan, who famously brings an orange to the table. While it originally helped him combat smoke-filled casinos, the habit stuck, and it became a symbol of his success.
Clothing is another source of superstition. Some players wear the same outfit during winning streaks, convinced that changing it will bring bad luck. This behavior mirrors broader gambling beliefs. Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi, for instance, often wears the same shirt or accessories if they've proven "lucky" in past games.
Even accessories like bracelets, rings, sunglasses, or hats are viewed as lucky charms by some players. These items might have sentimental value, a lucky history, or just provide a psychological boost. Poker star Daniel Negreanu has been known to wear the same hoodie for important tournaments, claiming it brings him good fortune.
Unlucky Seats, Numbers, and Colors
Seat selection is a big deal for superstitious players. Some refuse to sit in Seat 4, believing it carries bad luck, while others favor seats they've won from before. This mirrors the wider gambling world's fear of the number 13, often avoided at casinos.
Similarly, colors hold significance. Many Asian players, for example, avoid wearing white at the table, as it symbolizes death in some cultures, while red is considered lucky. This belief is so strong that even professional players have been known to adjust their clothing choices accordingly.
Certain numbers are also thought to bring either good or bad luck. While some players embrace the number 7 for its association with luck, others avoid the number 6, fearing its connection to bad fortune. In poker tournaments, players sometimes request specific seat numbers or feel uneasy when assigned a number they believe is unlucky.
Rituals and Pre-Game Habits
Some poker players insist on performing specific rituals before playing. These range from shuffling chips a certain way to touching their cards a specific number of times. Phil Hellmuth, for example, is known for his elaborate pre-game pep talks, ensuring he enters the game with the right mindset.
Other rituals include knocking on the table before a big hand. While these actions have no real impact on probability, they provide psychological comfort, making players feel more in control.
Superstitions can even dictate how a player handles their cards. Some believe that peeking at their hole cards in a specific order or waiting a few seconds before looking at them can influence their luck. These habits may be subconscious routines, but players often feel uneasy if they don't stick to their usual approach.
Many poker players also avoid $50 bills, considering them unlucky. This belief stems from old gambling legends where $50 bills were allegedly found on deceased gamblers. Due to this superstition, some players refuse to accept or wager with $50 bills at the table.
Another widely observed superstition is the belief that saying "good luck" to another player before a game brings bad fortune. Many professionals actively avoid using the phrase, preferring a neutral "have fun" or simply nodding as a form of acknowledgment .
Stacking chips in a specific way is another superstition followed by many. Some players meticulously arrange their chips in certain patterns, believing it helps maintain a winning streak or creates a psychological advantage. Conversely, others refuse to stack chips too neatly, fearing it invites bad luck.
The Curse of Counting Money at the Table
An old gambling superstition warns against counting money at the table. This belief extends beyond poker into casino culture, where counting chips during a game is thought to jinx winnings. The origin of this superstition is unclear, but many players still avoid it, preferring to wait until after they cash out to tally their profits.
Another variation of this belief suggests that discussing your winnings mid-game will invite bad luck. Players who are running hot often avoid boasting about their streak, fearing it will suddenly come to an end. This idea aligns with broader superstitions in gambling, where acknowledging a winning streak is believed to "jinx" it.
Famous Superstitious Poker Players
Several professional poker players have openly admitted to having superstitions. Antonio Esfandiari, for example, has a habit of kissing a $100 bill before playing, believing it brings good luck. Similarly, Doyle Brunson avoided cashing out in the middle of a streak, convinced that doing so would shift his luck.
Phil Ivey, one of the greatest poker players of all time, reportedly prefers playing on specific days he considers lucky. He has also been known to request certain seats at high-stakes tables, showing that even the most skilled players are not immune to superstition.
In Summary: Superstition vs. Skill in Poker
While poker is fundamentally a game of skill and mathematics, superstition remains deeply embedded in its culture. From lucky charms and specific clothing to seat preferences and ritualistic behaviors, players continue to follow traditions that have little to do with logic. Whether these habits provide real luck or just psychological reassurance, they add an intriguing dimension to the game.
At Everygame Poker, players of all levels come together to test their skills - superstitions or not. Whether you carry a lucky coin or rabbit's foot, or follow a specific pre-game ritual, remember that solid strategy and sharp decision-making are the real keys to winning.
Join the Evergame Heat Team and see if luck (or skill) is on your side!