Poker's Unique Ecosystem

In many businesses, we are rewarded when outlandish behavior by a competitor drives customers our way. An extreme example for illustrative purposes would be found at an isolated freeway exit with two restaurants located next to each other and virtually sharing the same parking lot. If one of them was so rude to potential customers as they entered that some people turned around and went next door to eat, it clearly would work to the economic benefit of the neighboring restaurant.

Unfortunately, because of the fragile personal interrelationships at a poker table, just the opposite economic effect oftentimes takes place.

In a hypothetical poker game with about an equal number of poker professionals and recreational players, a rude professional tends to drive away the recreational players, who are playing for enjoyment and leave when the enjoyment is gone.

Often, the other professionals stay, because they believe that they must in order to make a living. The result is a game that becomes more and more difficult to beat. This unique poker ecosystem has one professional's poor behavior reducing not only his own income, but also that of the other professionals at the table.

My suggestion to professionals is this: Do not just rely on the floor staff to curb another professional's poor behavior, as floor personnel can't be everywhere. Besides, your livelihood is at stake. Even if you are not directly involved in an incident, it is incumbent upon you to speak up and deal with other professionals in order to preserve your personal earning potential.