There has always been an endless debate on table talk. Does it help or does it hurt? Talking at the poker table can be used as a method to extract information from your opponent. We see many top players such as Dan Negreanu and Joe Hachem use this technique with documented success. It can be seen over and over again how players can give away far too much information during a tournament in what appeared to be an innocent conversation only to have it used against them later.

Many players consider poker to be a “social” game where meaningless banter is OK. However when listening is a skill of poker then you must then realize that poker is not a “social” game. Information is harvested by observing cards, chips, and people. When people start to talk at a table this is just another way of picking up that valuable information. Do you ever remember your parents saying, “you couldn’t hear me because you were too busy talking?” Those are some true words.

Remember when you should always have your radar up and running listing to any kind of relevant information that might lead us to getting our opponents chips. This is why it’s extremely important to always be aware of what others are saying, what you’re saying and who you are saying it to.