The Pros and Cons of Wearing Sunglasses at the Poker Table

While some poker players swear by it, others aren’t sure about wearing sunglasses at the poker table, while some downright refuse. Whether it's a live event with recreational players or a high-profile main event with the best players in the world on TV, there always seems to be at least one person wearing a pair of shades. It could be seen as rude in an everyday social situation, but at a poker table, it's just another method people try to gain an edge over their opponents. 

Why do Some Poker Players Like to Wear Sunglasses at the Poker Table?

Hide Tells 

Eyes can reveal emotions and tells, and other players can take advantage of this information. So, some hide behind sunglasses to prevent this.

Superstition

Some players like to wear glasses because they are a lucky charm or as a way to get into a "poker mindset” before playing. Once the glasses go on, it’s game on. 

Confidence

Sunglasses can often act as the perfect security blanket for shy and new players, providing that extra boost of confidence and comfort. 

Necessity

Not everybody wears sunglasses out of choice; some people genuinely need them. The glasses might be prescription to help them see, or shield sensitive eyes from the casino's bright and sometimes harsh lights. 

Fashion Statement

None of the above. Some players wear sunglasses simply because they like how they make them look. 

Pros of Wearing Sunglasses at the Poker Table

Can Help Improve Gameplay

Eyes can inadvertently give off tells. Happiness, pain, concern and anger can all be broadcast through the eyes and give opponents an insight into your cards. Eye twitches, frowning, glancing at chips or looking away when an opponent death stares across the table can all give off an impression of weakness. All this information can be used against you by a skilled opponent.

It might also be necessary to look at an opponent for an extended period of time while you look for their tells, but it’s easy to spot when they can see your eyes. The moment an opponent notices your gaze, they will be extra careful. Sunglasses can hide some of your tells while shielding your gaze from scrutiny, keeping everyone guessing where your eyes are aimed. So, donning a pair of Ray Bans eliminates all these issues and more. 

Comfort

Sunglasses can work as a security blanket for shy and new players. Not everyone is confident around groups of people they don't know, and so hiding behind a pair of glasses can provide confidence and comfort. Nerves at the poker table are common, but hiding behind a pair of dark shades might give that extra confidence boost to play live poker for the first time or stare down an opponent without looking away. They might also deter other players from trying to interact with you, which is seen as a boon for some people. 

A Shield from the Bright Lights

Casinos can be exceptionally well lit, to the point of nearly blinding, especially for people with sensitive eyes. A good pair of sunglasses can block out the worst of the light. 

Intimidation Factor

Sunglasses can help get you into that poker mindset, flicking a switch to mentally prepare for the game to come. It can also help intimidate other players, as they stare into the black unyielding shades, much like looking into the cold, emotionless eyes of a shark.

Cons of Wearing Sunglasses at the Poker Table

Removes a Tactic 

Subterfuge and bluffing can be crucial in a poker game. Unfortunately, you can't always get high-ranked cards, so you need to find other ways to win pots. Giving off fake tells is a tactic some players use to bluff and make opponents suspect a weak hand. However, many fake tells are unavailable if you've hidden your eyes behind glasses. Also, how will you ever develop a killer stare down if you hide behind sunnies?

Unintended Consequences

Sunglasses can have a mirror-like sheen, which can accidentally show your cards to the rest of the table when you look at them. *Mind blown* It might only be a brief glimpse, but any advantage will be taken with both hands by your opponents and used against you. 

Harder to See

If the light in the casino is poor around the poker tables, or your eyesight isn't great to begin with, dark sunglasses could make it much harder to see your own cards and what’s going on in the game. 

Overkill

Unless you are playing in the main event, sunglasses at the poker table probably won't give you THAT much of an edge. Most beginners and amateurs at your local casino probably don't know what a tell is, let alone how to figure out what they might mean. The extra attention that comes with wearing sunglasses can also backfire, as aggressive players try to bully you out of pots for no other reason than they think you look silly in those glasses. 

Accusations of Cheating

Sunglasses can attract allegations of cheating and some venues outright ban them. Some pros, one of the most outspoken being Daniel Negreanu, argue sunglasses have no place at the poker table because they promote cheating and call into question the integrity of the game. Regardless of whether it's true or not, the perception about players wearing sunglasses and cheating is out there. 

So… is it a Good Idea to Wear Sunglasses at the Poker Table? 

Some players swear by them as essential for poker; however, not all casinos allow them at the tables.

Sunglasses can give newer players a feeling of comfort and provide an extra edge, but they also bring a stigma of possible cheating and remove the chance of broadcasting fake tells and misleading opponents. Ultimately, wearing glasses at the tables comes down to whether the possible benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks, just like any decision in a poker game.