The Benefits of Poker Sunglasses

If you’ve ever played poker, you probably know that sunglasses are a common accessory at the table. Newbies and pros alike wear them.

They give players a sense of comfort and confidence, especially for those who are new to live poker or who feel nervous. Sunglasses also act as a security blanket for shy players.

1. Hide Tells

If you haven’t ever seen a live poker tournament, you might not know that sunglasses are a common accessory among players. They can help you hide tells that might reveal your emotions through movement or position.

When a player gets excited, their pupils dilate, which is not something you want them to be doing at the table. The best way to avoid this is by wearing a dark pair of sunglasses.

It’s also a good idea to get a baseball hat as a way to cover up your face. This will cast a shadow over your face that will make it hard for anyone to actually see you moving your eyes.

2. Confidence Boost

If you are a shy or insecure player, poker sunglasses can give you a confidence boost. You can hide your eyes without having to stare at your opponents and you will feel more comfortable at the table.

Wearing sunglasses can also help you focus on the game. It can be difficult to see the board when you are playing a poker game in bad light.

Despite the controversy around sunnies during the World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament in 2015, poker sunglasses are still used by many players. Negreanu criticized them as an advantage to cheaters but casual players are not as critical of the trend.

3. Observe Opponents

The ability to observe your opponent’s body language is a skill that increases with experience. Some of the most successful players are so good at reading their opponents that they’re able to predict their future moves based on what they’ve seen in prior hands.

Using the best poker sunglasses to decipher your opponent’s signals can pay dividends in the long run. A pair of glasses can make you a more discreet and effective observer, which is particularly important in dimly-lit poker rooms. It can also help you identify the signs that a good hand is on its way. For example, if you see your opponent go from a stoic face to one that displays bouncy feet, it’s a sign they are confident in their cards.

4. Look Cool

Getting a cool poker look is a huge priority for many players. This is especially true for up and coming pros who are new to live tournaments.

Wearing sunglasses is a great way to give yourself that professional look. This can boost your confidence and make you feel like a pro.

Sunglasses can also help you enter your ideal mental playing zone, allowing you to focus on the game and not get distracted by other things. This is especially beneficial for those who are sensitive to light, or who find that casino lights can be too distracting during a game.

Some players even opt for mirrored sunglasses, which can be an effective bluffing tool. This tactic can be used by players who are feeling jittery, but it is not common among professionals.

5. Get Into The Hat Backwards Zone

Some poker players wear their sunglasses while involved in a hand. This helps them tap into their killer instincts and gets them into the right mindset to play the best poker possible.

In the movie “Over The Top”, Sylvester Stallone turns his ball cap backwards before he enters a big arm wrestling match to get in the right mindset for the battle. Many poker players do the same thing.

This gives them a boost of confidence which can be a game changer for them at the table. They can use this feeling of confidence to bluff more, shove all-in preflop, or just go for it when they see a flop that’s set up for a strong hand. They might even be able to fool opponents into thinking that they’re a pro!