In the early 1970's Mike often played five-card draw in Gardena, CA, then known as "the poker capital of the world." You see, Gardena was where the pros gathered to play against newbie's and intermediate players who liked to challenge them.

Gardena style. During those days Mike discovered that a considerable number of poker players had adopted the bullying technique as a way to intimidate other players in the hopes of enlarging their own chip stacks.

Aggressive intimidators would often prey on their weaker opponents by ridiculing them for their feeble decisions or unusual betting methods. The idea behind this type of behavior was to distress their opponents into making grievous errors, on the theory that this supplied profit to the tormenter.

Avoidance. While observing the tables where the bullies reigned, Mike also noticed that players frequently avoided pots that involved the bullies. He determined that when a player applied this type of intimidation, the other players would refrain from participating with the tormenter.

The players were there to enjoy a nice, relaxing game of poker. The last thing they wanted was to be accosted by the playground bully. Those days were supposed to be behind them, not still confronting them from across the poker table. In their school days, they may have been unable to evade their tormenter, but now, all they had to do was get up, walk away and find a more desirable table.

Abandoning. The intimidators failed to realize that when their victims tired of their unpleasantness and left to seek out tables that were free of stress and bullying tactics, they also took potential profit with them. Usually these unfortunate victims were the weak, loose players who abandoned the table, precisely those you want in your game. Not only did the harasser lose prospective profit, but so did other superior players at the table. This type of distasteful behavior hurt everyone.

Image. This was when Mike became aware of how important image was at the table. Image determined how others perceived and reacted to you. Therefore, it could hugely affect your profit. Mike believes that in his own way, he can be described as an intimidator-just not through harassment. His form of intimidation is friendly and fun. Some players may feel intimidated by him because he is a well-known poker professional. He also has a reputation of being a leading authority on psychology and manipulation, and it's only reasonable to assume that he could be a threat at the table. However, his image is one of playfulness and often seemingly reckless abandon. Seeking not to make an opponent uncomfortable, he instead gives them encouragement and reassurance. Mike refrains from apply bullying techniques, as that form of intimidation is repulsive and unnecessary in reaping rewards from your opponents.

Mike's style. That is why players don't shun the table where Mike is playing. They seek him out because he is fun, unusual, and unpredictable, and because his form of intimidation isn't objectionable. It's entertainment. He makes losing less painful. Ridiculing opponents is something he advises against. It's necessary that his opponents feel good about whatever decisions they make, whether good or bad. There are possible pots to be won if the loose, weak players remain seated at the table and are eager to compete against you. They are the ones who supply much of the profit for everyone who plays more sensibly.

Gardena or Caro. What we learned today is there are two main types of intimidation: The aggressive bully that torments opponents and makes them so miserable they finally abandon the table. The second type manipulates his opponents in a fun and comfortable manner. Although they may be at a disadvantage, their loss is less painful, prompting them to remain and even enjoy losing.

Diane McHaffie is Director of Operations at Mike Caro University of Poker, Gaming, and Life Strategy. She has traveled the world coordinating events and seminars in the interest of honest poker. You can write her online at diane@caro.com.