Poker is a game built on logic, probability, and decision-making. Many players analyse hands, calculate the best odds, and rely on math to make optimal decisions. Yet despite this analytical foundation, plenty of players still cling to poker superstitions.
These beliefs may not be based on logic or reason, but spend enough time at the table and you’ll hear them mentioned again and again. Below are some of the most common poker superstitions players swear by.
1. No $50 Bills Please
Winning money is the goal for every poker player, but when it comes time to cash out chips, many players avoid receiving $50 bills altogether. A profitable session might end with players requesting smaller denominations instead of a single fifty.
The origins of this superstition are unclear. Some believe it stems from issues with counterfeiting, while others point to the risk of confusing a $50 bill with lower denominations.
2. “Good Luck All-In” Is Bad Luck
Hearing “good luck” right before moving all-in is considered a bad omen by many players. After spending time on a short stack, finally picking up a premium hand only to bust shortly after has cemented this belief for countless tournament players.
Whether the hand is pocket Aces or Kings, some players would rather hear nothing at all than receive encouragement at that moment.
3. Don’t Pay the All-In Early
Another common superstition involves counting out chips before the board has fully run. When one player is all-in and behind, prematurely preparing to pay is believed to invite bad luck.
Players insist chips should remain untouched until the flop, turn, and river are complete and the hand is officially decided.
4. Packing Up Invites a Comeback
When a player with the weaker hand begins packing their belongings during an all-in situation, many believe it somehow reverses fate.
Opponents often prefer players remain seated and motionless until the final card is dealt, fearing that packing up early invites an unlikely comeback.
5. Never Count Your Money at the Table
This old-school superstition suggests that counting chips at the table invites misfortune. While modern players like to know their position, excessive counting is still frowned upon by some.
Understanding your bankroll is essential, but many believe that constantly recounting chips reflects fear rather than confidence.
Of course, online players don’t face this dilemma, as stack sizes are displayed automatically at virtual tables.
6. “Bad Luck” Hands
Every poker player seems to have at least one hand they distrust. Ace-King, also known as Big Slick, is often labelled unlucky, while others fear pocket Jacks.
Despite their statistical strength, repeated bad beats can cause players to approach these hands with hesitation rather than confidence.
7. Wear It Well… and Often
During a hot run, many players believe changing clothes or accessories risks breaking their streak. Wearing the same shirt, using the same card protector, or sticking to the same routine is thought to preserve good fortune.
This behaviour mirrors rituals seen across competitive environments, where consistency provides comfort — even if it has no direct impact on results.
Do Poker Superstitions Actually Work?
Poker superstitions don’t affect the cards, but they do affect mindset. Rituals can help players feel more relaxed, focused, and confident under pressure.
The key is balance: rely on logic, probabilities, and decision-making, while understanding why superstitions remain such a lasting part of poker culture.
