Artistic Taste in the Poker Club
When you think of aesthetics, poker is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But truly poker is a game of great popularity that evolved over the centuries into an intellectual art form. Over time, t has developed its own set of distinguishing rules and timeless traditions. The most genuine of poker players is not sitting at the table just to pass the time. He has entered the club to sit at a table with an acute sense of poker as a professional avocation (or vocation) and is very aware that the game has graduated from a weekend time filler to a heightened creative experience.
Every casino comes equipped with many standard variations of poker. As you know, casinos are business establishments in existence to make a profit, and poker is just one of their many offerings. It may seem to be hoity-toity rubbish, but the aesthete in any field, be it collecting Waterford crystal, or filling a superb wine cellar, will understand the genuine poker player’s devotion to a very special club.
The atmosphere of a well-made a club is immersing; the dealers are on friendlier, more personal as well as respectful terms with you; there is greater intimacy, if desirable, with regular players, which heightens the experience of any single game. Picture expensive cigar smoke in wreathes over velvet-shod tables, listen to the ice tinkling in the Laphroaig whisky glass across the room.
It is not terribly difficult to start up a poker club. The first decision to make is whether you want a casual neighborhood hang out or a more formal establishment for the more expert players to frequent. If casual is the way you want to go, all is needed is a right-sized room, some poker tables and chairs, poker chips and several decks of cards.
To make a good place for somber pros, first decide on a good spot which is close to the city center so as to encourage visits, and not so close to any noisy site so as to minimize distraction. Most or all good poker players naturally own cars, but no focused player with a sense of poker esthetics will tolerate noise pollution.
The novice poker club owner should remember the poker traditions and centuries old history while designing the space. An old-time exterior with a more modern interior still respectful of the history and tradition of poker would be a tasteful choice. Do not go for any “theme” motif as this is too evocative of Disney Resorts and the like. Also, avoid the garish in color, light and signage. Keep the dcor pleasant and welcoming.
No matter if you manage the club yourself or choose to hire one, stay on top of things to ensure your place is operating honestly and responsibly always and that any inharmonious behavior is quickly and discretely rectified. The manager must be a poker aesthete himself, not just any kind of manager. The dealers must be personable, presentable and have a deep understanding of the art of customer service.
Acquire furnishings from manufacturers who guarantee endurance and insurance. Add a space where players can relax between games, drink, smoke, and share experiences. Install air-conditioning and arrange a good bar with a professional bar tender: no genuine poker game can last for long without genuine smokes and drinks.
The author is a successful limit cash game player. He plays poker online and receives Action Poker Rakeback as well as Rakeback at NoiQ Poker.
