How important is table talk and speech play when playing live?

Joe Hachem: Everything that happens at the table is important. You’ve got to listen to what people are saying, what their tone is and what they’re talking about. Even if I have my iPod plugged in I’m watching what people are doing and how they’re acting. You can get a lot of information from people by listening to them when they’re relaxed and comparing that to when they’re in a hand.

Steve Paul-Ambrose: I don’t think it’s the first thing you need to focus on when you learn how to play poker but there is definitely information to be gained.