Poker is a game of skill, odds, psychology — and, for many players, superstition. Despite poker being a math-based game at its core, players from casual tables to professional tournaments still cling to strange beliefs, rituals, and lucky charms.

Whether it’s refusing to wear a certain color or always stacking chips a certain way, these habits may seem irrational — but for some, they offer comfort, focus, or a (perceived) edge.

Let’s take a look at the weirdest and most amusing texas-holdem-pokers.com superstitions you’ll find around the felt.

1. The Lucky Card Protector

Many players carry a specific object to guard their cards, from silver coins to plastic figurines, even rabbit feet. The idea is that the charm protects their hand — both literally and spiritually.

Some of the strangest protectors reported:

• Miniature voodoo dolls

• Crystals or healing stones

• A photo of a loved one or pet

Players may swear their lucky object “brings good vibes” or helps them win crucial hands — even if it has no bearing on the outcome.

2. Wearing the Same Clothes

It’s not just athletes who avoid changing socks during a winning streak. Some poker players wear the same hoodie, hat, or lucky shirt for every session. If they start losing, they might switch outfits mid-session, convinced the clothing holds power over their luck.

Common variations include:

• Always wearing red for good fortune

• Wearing a certain baseball cap only at final tables

• Refusing to play without a particular piece of jewelry

3. Ritual Chip Stacking

While chip stacking can be strategic, many players stack chips in exact patterns out of superstition, not efficiency.

Examples:

• Stacks of only 20 chips, never more or less

• Arranging chips by color in a specific order

• Touching or tapping chips before every deal

These rituals often become subconscious behaviors that players don’t feel comfortable breaking, even if they’re purely symbolic.

4. Avoiding the First Seat

Some players refuse to sit in Seat 1 (directly to the dealer’s left), claiming it’s unlucky or cursed. This superstition likely stems from the fact that it’s a challenging position tactically — acting first post-flop can be a real disadvantage.

Nonetheless, some players treat that seat as a bad omen, and will wait for another table or move seats if forced into it.

5. Blowing on Cards or Chips

Inspired by movies or Vegas lore, players sometimes blow on their cards or chips before an all-in. While it has zero effect on the cards, it’s often a psychological comfort — a symbolic gesture of hope, confidence, or even mock-magic.

In live games, this can also serve as a ritual of intimidation or expression, depending on how seriously the player takes it.

6. “Unlucky Dealers”

Believe it or not, some players will blame their losses on specific dealers — and avoid tables where that dealer is working.

Common beliefs:

• “He always burns me on the river.”

• “She never gives me action hands.”

• “Every time he deals, I lose all-ins.”

Of course, the cards are randomly dealt, and dealers have no control over outcomes. Still, some players associate bad runs with certain people and make seating decisions accordingly.