Poker has always been one of the world’s most popular games. But last year, as more people had time to stay home and hone their skills, poker’s popularity increased. The social casino market is expected to grow at a healthy rate until 2025 due to “growth drivers such as the escalation of smart devices and connections, an upsurge in gaming & smartphones traffic, a rising global population, and an increasing internet penetration”. However, with more people looking for actual interactions, physical poker amongst friends will likely also see a rise. This is because a poker night among friends is much more accessible and inviting than visiting a casino or signing up for an online platform. Social play is much easier for those who are new to the game.
The same can’t be said about virtual poker rooms, where it’s more difficult to calculate your poker odds. Many online poker rooms do not let players see their opponent’s reactions. Therefore, you cannot read their demeanor to get an idea of their hand. As a result, it’s more difficult to calculate the right call or the game’s implied odds. So, really, it comes as no surprise that intimate poker gatherings are growing in popularity these days.
That said, despite this more casual setting, players who want to improve their chances of winning should still come prepared. This doesn’t just mean bringing a hefty bankroll or brushing up on your poker strategies, either. Instead, savvy players can get the upper hand with the right attire. Here’s how to dress for a poker night success:
Wear comfortable yet empowering clothes
How you dress can drastically affect your in-game performance. For starters, since you’ll most likely be seated for a long time, it’s important that you’re comfortable. That way you can focus on the game and not get distracted by how itchy your pants feel or how hot your shirt is. Depending on the climate and where you’ll be playing, choose fabrics that will manage your temperature and not hinder your comfort. At the same time, do choose pieces that look good. Studies prove that what you wear can affect your moods and cognitive ability. Research has even shown that well-styled clothes can make you feel more powerful, witty, and motivated.
Use accessories to distract others
Poker is a mental game, and you want to get under your opponents’ skin. One way to do this is by using accessories. In some professional poker circles, players wear ridiculous hats or even bring props. However, you may not want to do that with your friends, or they might find you annoying. Instead, go the more subtle route and wear sparkly accessories. A good tip for choosing jewelry that will catch others’ attention without being too obnoxious is to wear stacked bracelets or statement pieces. This can pass as an innocent accessory that emphasizes your success and distracts your opponents.
Look for items that hide your tells
If you look at many experienced poker players, many are dressed in a way that hides their eyes and mouths. This is a tactic that is meant to conceal the areas of the face which can reveal your tell. When you are able to do this, you can better read the room and bluff without giving anything away. To do so, depending on your preference, you can wear non-reflective sunglasses, a hooded top, or a scarf. Some people like to wear multiple items at once, but that’s not necessary. Instead, just make sure to pick something that can be comfy throughout the game.
Poker is a game of luck and strategy that has more to do with just the cards. With a well-planned outfit as part of your game plan, your poker nights will be a lot more interesting and successful.
