Do you listen to music via earphones, when playing poker?

[Drain Alien]

This thread came to mind having observed Mr Gryko at last week's GUKPT main event.

Do u put your earphones in and listen to your iPod, whilst playing poker?

If so, why?

Is it block out the annoying rants or voices from those around you?
Is it to help you focus / concentrate?
Is to break-up the boredom of a long session?
Or Is it cos u just love music?
Or for some other reason?

And what are your views on the downsides of using earphones (ie missed verbal tells etc)

...and even if u don't use earphones please pot your views...

Thanks

[Drain Alien]

As well as potting your views, please post them too.
8-)

[kinboshi]

I like to listen to people at the table and engage in conversation. 

However, on several occasions recently I've been flanked by bad-beat story-tellers.  It's been so bad that I've had to walk away from the table for a few minutes for some peace.  It's worse when they try to engage you in the conversation and you have to reply.  If it's a quick story, or it has some element of interest I can handle it.  But when it's insistent whining, and they repeat themselves over and over again it makes sense to have an MP3 player to use.  But even then, I'd only use one earphone at a time, don't want to miss what's actually happening in the game.

I've just ordered one today (to replace my old clunky one).

[Claw75]

I tried listening to an ipod whilst playing poker once. I lasted about 20 minutes, before banishing it forever.

[Drain Alien]

I tried listening to an ipod whilst playing poker once. I lasted about 20 minutes, before banishing it forever.

why woz that?
Any paricular reason?

[keilan303]

I will listen to music when....

• I don't know anyone at the table and there is little or no conversation
• There are players who I feel can get information out of me by asking questions, if I can't hear them I can't give anything away
• I am totally card dead and piss bored
• Ironside is singing

Im generally not a very chatty person and Ive found that when listening to music I soon blind off and am out early doors if I don't find any cards....if Im at the table with a few chatterboxes who like light hearted banter I focus more and make more plays, sometimes what the other people say will influence others decisions (bs like "I've got a tell on you..." and everyone else folds behind them) I'd rather ditch the music at tables like this

[Graham C]

I don't listen to my iPod when playing.  If I have it with me and am listening to it proir to taking my seat, I always take it off when I sit down.  I'd rather listen to the banter.

[TightEnd]

Used to, but found I missed too much. Amazing how many players discuss hands straight after it has taken place, giving away masses of info

[Kar l]

Listening to The Vengaboys gives me extra motivation, thats's why I listen to my ipod

[ChipRich]

I listen to Ipod with only 1 ear in normally, so I can still hear what everyones saying etc.

Unless im steaming, then i plug both ears and put it on full blast to block out anyone talking.

[Horneris]

I watch tv shows and films tht iv downloaded on my blackberry whilst playing, just to ensure that i know absolutely nothing thats going on around me on the table.

[keilan303]

Why not download some pr0n and watch that, recreate the online experience in the casino


Just me?

[MC]

I do this to stop me steaming, most of the time I'm talking but it helps me lock-down sometimes when I've started to play badly or something...

[dousche]

mainly to block out the boredom, for example when iv been playing a lot live recently. or sometimes when its at the stage of a comp when i know i shouldnt be opening many hands but i just cant help myself without a little distraction. that and when the table is full of goons

[Claw75]

I tried listening to an ipod whilst playing poker once. I lasted about 20 minutes, before banishing it forever.

why woz that?
Any paricular reason?

Just found it offputting