ANYBODY who’s ever attempted to use an iPod in a livingroom game will know that its frowned upon. That’s why when people get to watch a major event for the first time they’re often amazed to see that as many as half the competitors are utilizing them. Why?
The Argument in Favour
For many serious players in major competitions, or big stakes backroom games, an iPod is one of the best investments they can make. It can become an important part of their tournament game. Some players (good and bad alike) can have a hard time focusing while on the poker table but this can be addressed in several ways by having music plugged into your ears. Turn on your iPod and you’re not paying attention to the hustle and bustle in the tournament area; you don’t have to courteously greet your friend a few tables away or get involved in the idiot chatter at your table. You can pay strict attention to the action in your own game.
Quite often, you may choose to turn the volume down low enough to hear the action and the verbal tells, but the player next to you doesn't know that. She usually won't engage in conversation with you because you have the headphones on.
Some people might think that listening to music while playing would be distracting, but it can help you to focus significantly.
This is not to suggest that if you’re rocking to your own tunes, you will focus better than ever and win the next tournament you play in. However, for many, it is a tremendous help and worth the investment
The Argument Against
Howard Lederer, however doesn’t agree. In his article on Fulltilt.com he expresses his “special scorn for the rampant use of headphones in poker tournaments.” Claiming that, “They slow down the action and, on the whole, I believe they hurt the people who use them. When a player throws a single, large chip into the pot, he usually announces 'raise' or 'call'. But all the guys at the table wearing headphones can't hear the call. Invariably, they have to take off their headphones and ask the dealer what the bet is. It is annoying when the action comes to a grinding halt to clarify something that anyone without headphones already knows. Also, poker is a social game. It would make me sad if poker someday becomes a game where nine people are sitting at a table listening to music, and no one is talking to one another”.
Lederer believes that there are some valuable tells that can only be picked up by intently listening to the people around you. He recalls a story in which he won an important hand because he picked up frustration in the voice of an opponent, something that wouldn’t have happened had he been ‘tuned up’.
His argument is compelling, but judging by the increasing usage of iPods and similar devices, its one that few people are heeding. It is this writers opinion that the earphones are a part of the future of poker and will not go away any time soon.
WARNING!
However, its worth bearing in mind that should you reach the final table of a major tournament you’ll almost certainly be asked to remove your iPod. Its still shunned at the top, so once you’re a big-time player, don’t forget how you used to play in your living room.
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