Phone calls, since you don't have all senses involved (can't see) can be very misleading. I can identify a bit with your professional poker playing; I have done/do a great deal of horse race handicapping, have owned part of a race horse.

I had a phone call setting up an appointment with a would-be employer many years ago, I was sure it was not going to work out, he didn't sound very bright or interesting (was slow talking, "thought" too much just setting up an appointment time/date). I'm happily married to him now