Ranch Poker Guide Page 5: Table Talk

Table Talk

Somewhere in the course of a typical session of poker, most players feel the need to comment on another player's hand or question their intentions. It's only natural to be curious, particularly in the game of Guts. In the pat there has been some disagreement on what should or shouldn 't be said or asked of another at the table. What is appropriate?

For some reason, many players show a reluctance to be truthful.
I've never understood this. For instance, as it comes to me in a two-low guts game, before I decide, I might ask the person to my left, "Are you planning on going in?" To which I'll generally receive a sodden smirk of some sort or uncourteous laughter. This is unnecessary. Remember, there are no inappropriate questions, only inappropriate responses!

If, at times, you're not sure what to say, just remember also that honesty is the best policy. I'll often declare a pair as I throw in my cards in three-high guts so that I don't cause undo financial hardship on some unsuspecting player who otherwise would have no idea what to do. Of course the naturally untrusting types will jump in anyway. I suppose this< is partly because I may have occasionally mistaken cards that were similar in color and pattern, for pairs, when they actually weren't. Incidentally, I've done that and not been called and, realizing my mistake, wanted to be truthful but, seeing the relief on the faces of players who thought that they had actually been beaten by a decent pair, I just couldn't let them down.

The important thing is to keep a healthy social interaction
going. We must never let the game fall into a downcast, vitriolic affair, the likes of last year. We need to express ourselves. Tony, if you see that Lamont has 4 cars to a straight in five-card stud, just look him in the eye and ask him, "Did you get the straight?" It's ok. You never know until you ask. I'll often throw it out to the whole group if I need help. I may have a 9 or a 10 in two-low whereupon I'll ask, "Can anybody beat a 10?" I expect some response that isn't hurtful.

Let's all vent those emotions. Don't keep them pent up inside.
And don't labor under the false impression that poker is a liar's game, a deceitful game. After all is said and done, you might as well just be< honest because who the hell's going to believe you anyway?