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By Ben Harley

(Don't let the ice cold stare fool you, it may just be the Glee soundtrack pumping in the background)

Many players listen to music while playing poker, getting them in the mood or just staving off looming boredom. Of those players who do, listening to music while playing poker online is much more popular than having an ipod in your ear at a live table. As one player says, at a live table you want to be able to hear the fish “spewing info.” But for those who do listen to music while playing live, it’s suggested to listen what you already enjoy, unless you’re constantly blasting hardcore deathmetal. From soft jazz to classic rock, music is used by professionals to relax, calm, and focus their nerves while in the game. That’s not going to happen with deathmetal or any music in which people scream.

Your music needs to compliment your style for maximum effectiveness. Calm, tight players should let some gentle jazz or soul keep their pace down to not be pushed by the other sharks. Relaxed, cautious players should let the mellow sounds of alternative rock bring them to conscious focus. Moderately aggressive players should listen to some alternative music to pump them up a little bit. For solidly aggressive players, hip-hop has some upbeat tunes that’ll keep you going toe-to-toe with the other players. Crazily dangerous nutbar players should listen to rock to put themselves in that own little crazy land of theirs.

The point is, when you’re not in a good mood, don’t play. If you’re mad at the boss, sad from a recent loss, or just generally pissed then you should stay away from the cards. Loud or distracting music can be as detrimental as your own state of mind, and keep you from focusing. The mood is key, but its completely dependent on the mood you set and what mood is best for your play style. Ultimately, it boils down to you as a player and your ability to control the environment you play in.