Why Do Poker Players Wear Sunglasses?
Sunglasses have become a popular accessory for poker players. While some may believe they are a cheating device, others see the added benefits. Here are some of the more common reasons why you should wear sunglasses at the table.
First, the glasses are the best way to reduce glare on your eyes. This helps prevent the need to adjust your eyes to avoid eye strain. They also help keep your vision clearer and allow you to look around without distractions.
Another reason for wearing sunglasses is to hide tells. You can learn a lot about an opponent’s mood by reading their facial expressions. If you can read their emotions, you can better assess whether they are playing a bluff or a legitimate hand. When you can do this, you can put them on the defensive and give yourself a strategic edge.
Lastly, many people wear sunglasses to look cool. It’s a fashion statement, but it can also increase your confidence and boost your overall game. Wearing sunglasses can also help you relax during a 12-hour day at the poker table.
Some players even wear sunglasses to get into the “Hat Backwards Zone”. This is where the sunglasses really shine. Instead of looking at your opponents, you are focused on the cards in your hands. Using sunglasses to conceal your face can help you avoid embarrassment and give you the confidence you need to call an all-in pre-flop.
While most poker players don’t wear sunglasses, there are plenty who do. For instance, poker celebrity Amanda McLaughlin and her dad wore a pair of sunglasses in their third place finish in the WSOP tag team event. These sunglasses, called the ‘Greg Raymer’, were designed to protect the eyes from the rays.
In the past, wearing sunglasses at the table has been a running gag. This has lead to some unspeakable acts of cruelty. But a few years ago, the Stanford Prison Experiment tested the effects of sunglasses on inmates. The results were promising. However, the experiment was eventually suspended before the end.
Having a good pair of sunglasses will allow you to see through your opponent’s cards. While it may seem like a trivial issue, it’s important for poker players. Most players will have a difficult time assessing the cards in their hands in a poorly lit room, and sunglasses can make that a little easier.
Despite the pros and cons, poker players have been using sunglasses to help them play since at least 2000. However, there are a few reasons why you shouldn’t wear them at the table.
A better argument would be to wear the glasses that really get the job done. One of the best sunglasses is the ones that have transitional lenses, which means they will change slightly in appearance when you move from indoor to outdoor conditions. Even if your eyesight isn’t perfect, you can still play your best poker by keeping your eyes on the prize.