Some of the best poker advice a player can receive often comes from the memorable observations made by the legends of the game. These simple sayings often carry more impact – and are much easier to recall – than books full of strategy charts, statistical analysis and intricate schemes. Even if you can’t walk the walk just yet, at least you can talk the talk with these quotes.
"If, after the first twenty minutes, you don't know who the sucker at the table is, it's you." - "Rounders" (1998)
"The commonest mistake in history is underestimating your opponent; it happens at the poker table all the time." -- US Army General David Shoup
"Don't challenge strong players, challenge weak ones. That's what they're there for." -- John Vorhaus, poker player and author
"You will show your poker greatness by the hands you fold, not the hands you play." -- Dan Reed, poker player and author
"You can shear a sheep many times, but you can skin it only once." -- Amarillo Slim, poker legend
"The cardinal sin in poker, worse than playing did cards, worse even than figuring your odds correctly, is becoming emotionally involved." -- Katy Lederer, author of A Girlhood Among Gamblers and sister of pro poker players Howard Lederer and Annie Duke
"The strong point in poker is never to lose your temper, either with those you are playing with or, more particularly, with the cards. There is no sympathy in poker. Always keep cool. If you lose your head you will lose all your chips." -- William J. Florence, author of The Gentleman’s Handbook on Poker
"A card player should learn that once the money is in the pot, it isn't his any longer." -- Herbert O. Yardley, author of The Education of a Poker Player
"The two things you need to be successful in poker are, first, find the muck, and second, don’t play your own money." -- David "Devilfish" Ulliott, poker player
"To be a poker champion, you must have a strong bladder." -- Jack McClelland, poker tournament director