Anytime you can find an advantage over your opponents in poker, you have that "holy grail" called an edge. In order to gain such edges you first need to know yourself and your opponents. How often do you sit down at a table and don't know anyone? At such times, there are ways to identify each player's strengths and weaknesses. Let's review some basic factors that most regular players know.
1. First of all, it's important to know how aggressive or passive their approach is. Then, you need to combine this with knowing how conservative or loose players are.
2. Next, it's important to look for the right game for you to do your best. This is done by determining early whether the table is loose, passive, conservative, or wild. It's then important to know which tables that you thrive in. Some players do better in passive games. Others prefer aggressive tables.
3. Finally, look for frequency of mistakes other players are making. Where players are making a lot of mistakes, you are going to thrive. For example, players may do well playing only one good card with a rag in Texas hold'em for a while. Over time, however, that's a profitable table for you to play. Gaining an edge in poker, then, boils down to two main factors: namely,
1. Selecting the right game, where you are more skilled than your opponents, and
2. Playing your best game, based on the relative skill level of you and your opponents.
Game Selection.
Regardless of your present skill level in playing poker, being at the right table at the right time is crucial to having an edge. The question is, though, how do you determine what the right table is for you? That table is the one that you consistently do better playing. It may be at a level in cash games that fits your style.
For example, as mentioned in the last article, "The Rumpelstilskin Effect," I learned that I do better in higher limits than lower ones. In lower limits, I have a "penny ante" attitude and become too loose. However, when the stakes are bigger, I use my calculating abilities more. Some players do better in cash games. For others, their edge is more in tournament games. In the final analysis, it's important to play the game that is easiest for you and the one you do best in playing. These will be your most profitable tables.
When selecting the right table for you, it's also an edge to know everyone's style of playing and get some real-time statistics on your opponents. Again, some players look for loose styles; while, others prefer tight styles of players. The quick way to assess player stats is to notice how big their stacks of chips are. You may do better at tables where more players have short stacks. Beware though! Some players come with short stacks to mislead you into thinking they are having a bad day.
Your Best Game.
Most regular poker players know that it's a combination of skill and luck that determines their best game. One without the other will result in something less than one's best. You can do something about your skill level; however, luck knows no home. It's important to take advantage of your edge on lucky days. At the same time, increase your edge by knowing why you are winning or losing and make changes accordingly.
There are certain conditions that act as anti-edges. Such things as playing while upset (tilt) or too tired and drunk can become anti-edges. That's when the Rumpelstilskin Effect takes over and changes your search for the golden grail into straw. When you know your edges and play your best game at the right tables, you truly have a golden grail in poker. Those golden edges will pay off over time.
Jim McKenna has been practicing psychotherapy for more than thirty-five years. His books include the acclaimed Beyond Tells: Power Poker Psychology, Beyond Bluffs: Master the Mysteries of Poker, and Beyond Traps: The Anatomy of Poker Success, all published by Kensington Press. Write to Jim@Jimmckenna-PhD.com.
