How do you guys network within the poker room to maximize ev? When and how much to tip the floor? Handling table talks/run ins with (good) regs? I'm also **** at making small talks so what do you guys usually talk about when trying to network?

what is your goal of networking? Getting in good woth the floors? Being "liked" by regs?

i'd argue that it's better to be liked by bad regs, they're the ones more likely to offer to shoot it, or even better, not value bet you when they have it. This happens far more often than you'd think.

The people who are worst at networking are the people who definitely want something. They just reek of desperation as they try to force the conversation.

People who are terrible hate small talk, but people who are good at small talk hate small talk too. Stop thinking about how to maximize EV. Instead, just try to learn one interesting thing about one person.

I highly advise not to "network" with other regs. The other players will use your knowledge (or lack thereof) against you especially when money's involved.

When they wanna talk about hands, just yes and ok them to death, and say "you played it fine", no matter what. Let them tell you how they play their hands, don't give them pointers on how the hand should have been played or how you play yourself.

When they give you a bad beat story and say stuff like they hardly ever flop a set, just say "Really? It seems like I flop one almost every other time".
If they ask you how your're doing, tell them you've been running incredibly well, even if you're not. This will psychologically transfer into you owning them at the table.

With regard to tipping the floor, what is your goal here, do you expect they will seat you ahead of other people, or text you when a fish infested game is going? Where I usually play tipping is not allowed but if they're dual rates take care of them when they're dealing. Not for any special treatment, just for appreciation of their respect.

I'm not very good at networking, but from what I do know the key is to get to know another person, understand what you can do to make their lives better in some small (or not small) way, and then do that several times. They'll then both feel obligated to and want to help you when you request something of them.

For instance, some reg you play with likes to play a certain game that doesn't run all the time. You see it running so you shoot him a text and let him know. Or you learn that a dealer really likes Thai food, and you let him know about a new place you tried that you'd think he'd like, or even better buy him a Pad Thai or something.

Just like anything else you need to take it at a pace you or your intended 'target' allows it to go. Although it's pretty much frowned on to talk poker strategy at the table you still need to feel people out. I agree the best way is to learn other interests and get on a good ground with a player.

I play in a high density of regs, so interaction pretty much generates itself.

I would start by trying to sit next to certain players and feel them out with some probing comments. You might get a few shows or 'quiet' information along the way.

Being there when a table opens or closes can also generate some conversation, especially with Floors.

I don't talk about my personal life much .. just sports, 'stupid trivia' and 'news'. You don't want to be a know-it-all but interjecting some facts into a conversation you might not even be a part of might break the ice with some players.

I agree that you might get some soft play once you establish a rapport with some regs ... especially if there are 'better' fish to fry at the table. It's like a brotherhood, you fight on a united front when newbies walk in but also fight like dogs when no one else is around. GL

It had just occurred to me tipping the floor person might be a regional thing. When I used to play in South Florida, I've never seen tipping floor of any kind, but where I mostly play now, tipping floor is very common. The settings are very different too in terms of opportunities to interact with the floors.

I totally agree with the second paragraph in isolation, and nearly totally disagree with the second paragraph in the context of the first.

If you have some Thai place you like, of course bring it up when people are talking about Thai food. And if every week you meet the same people and they're actually interested in Thai food, bring some.

But here's the catch - do it for everyone. Do it for the reg you want advice from, sure, but also do it for the reg who you don't need advice from. Do it for the people you want to bang, sure, but do it for the people you don't want to bang too. And you know what, if you're away from the poker table it's not a bad idea either. If your coworker likes Thai food, ask him/her if he/she wants you to get an extra Pad Thai. Decline their money, say, "pay me back only if you like it."

Over time, your image (table image or just image in general) is an aggregate of all the things you do. So it's not like everyone's going to rush to fellate you if you do one nice thing. But when you have a reputation for being a nice person, things tend to work out better than when you have a reputation of being a selfish jerk.

At the poker table, this often surfaces when there's confusion. For example, you're putting out a call when the guy behind you at the next table shouts, "Raise!" Or some other situation where you are asking people to take you at your word. What it comes down to is whether they believe you.

I've noticed that a lot of players who "network" do it so they can have suckers to borrow from.

regarding tipping Floors, idk if it's regional, but I do know that either tipping or perhaps more likely, simply being one of the more pleasant people they deal with, is a good move

I have talked with other regs in an attempt to coordinate schedules to get a new game (higher stakes or a different game) off the ground.

Networking in a poker room isn't difficult as long as you are aware of boundaries, if you are sociable you will have the chance to extend conversations beyond the scope of the poker room with people who like you

Def don't force it, lots of people play poker for fun so as long as you don't take away from the experience it will be fine

In some rooms Floors aren't allowed to accept tips .. at least in front of the cameras. And you probably don't want to make it even more complicated by tipping them with chips! GL

This thread reeks of awkwardness. Network? Wtf?

You're sitting with these guys every day for hours a day, it's not that hard to talk...

I think you are in the wrong forum. Also, bringing thai food to a dealer? What the hell. Maybe he gives you a royal flush next time.

Our player pool includes quite a few restaurant owners .. nice cash business! There are a few who will bring in food when they show up. IMO it certainly 'buys' them a few folds along the way .. GL

It's definitely a mixture of funny and sad when they buy in for $1,000 with $5s, $10s, and $20s.

I was looking at a car at a used car dealership the other day and the owner turned out to be one of my long time regs.

He later tapped on his pocket and said "I just sold a car and she paid cash, are you going to play tonight?" Haha