Why do poker players wear sunglasses?

 

Poker is a game of skill, strategy and, sometimes, luck. In order to give themselves an edge, many professional poker players wear sunglasses while they play.

There are a few reasons for this. First, sunglasses can help to conceal a player's expressions and emotions. This is important because a tell can give away what kind of hand a player has, and that can be costly. Second, sunglasses can reduce the amount of light that enters a player's eyes. This can be helpful in two ways. It can help to reduce glare from the lights, making it easier to see the cards; and it can make it more difficult for opponents to read a player's eyes. Third, sunglasses can make a player look more intimidating. This can be helpful in two ways as well. It can make opponents less likely to want to take on a player in a hand; and it can make opponents more likely to make mistakes out of fear. Fourth, sunglasses can help to keep a player's eyes from getting tired. This is important because tired eyes can make it more difficult to concentrate and make good decisions. Fifth, sunglasses can help to protect a player's eyes from the smoke that is often present in casinos. Sixth, sunglasses can help to reduce the amount of distractions that a player is subject to. This is important because it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game and lose focus on what is important. Seventh, sunglasses can help to make a player look more confident. This can be helpful in two ways. It can make opponents more likely to fold; and it can make opponents more likely to make mistakes out of fear. Overall, there are many reasons why professional poker players wear sunglasses. They can help to give a player an edge by concealing expressions and emotions, reducing the amount of light that enters the eyes, making a player look more intimidating, and more.