Small edges can be beneficial to you and are more frequent than larger ones. On an hourly basis, they can render the most profit. When Mike states that "thirty small $1 edges are worth more than two large $10 edges," he is, of course, just pointing out the obvious. How do you go about acquiring small edges? Well, Mike has a tendency to play "out of position" many times because he observes his opponents and determines which players are likely to possess the weaker or stronger hands.
No threat. If you detect the second player to your left concentrating on his chips, you can interpret that as meaning the player is probably trying to deceive you and holds a lousy hand, and you can rule him out as a threat. Suppose the player next to you reaches slightly toward his chips? Well, he probably has a doubtful hand and is merely trying to intimidate you into thinking he's going to bet.
Maybe you notice a player behind you staring wistfully at his cards. That is an indication that the player is pretending to be interested in his pitiful hand. You have nothing to fear.
So you see, by establishing that one or more players behind you are not dangerous, your position effectively moves up, allowing you to play hands you would otherwise fold. It's an edge that can frequently result in a small profit to you.
Anti-edges. You should be aware of tells that can put your cards in peril. Mike refers to them as "anti-edges."
• If an opponent is pointedly gazing away from you.
• If a player is unusually silent.
• If a player does not check his cards to reaffirm what he's holding.
Re-buy. Often players think that when their chip stacks are dwindling they need to re-buy in order to have plenty of money to do battle in the blinds. It's often better to re-buy after you have been in the blinds. Having a small chip pile can actually work to your advantage when going all-in. This allows you to possibly win a pot with a hand you would have been forced to fold had you purchased more chips. Of course, it's also true that if you have a towering stack of chips, you will have a more commanding presence at the table.
The call. Provoking a call can give you an added edge. Players come to the casino to participate; therefore they have the urge to call. Do you want an opponent to call? Cough, hum, pop your bubble gum, take a sip of your soda, or shift in your chair. They are now suspicious, which could very well result in a call.
If an opponent just made an emphatic bet, knocking his chips over in the process, and neglected to straighten them, it's likely that he has a strong hand. This can prove profitable to you, by sometimes allowing you to fold a hand you would have called with prior to your surveillance.
Lucky seat. If you're participating in a game where you find yourself suddenly losing chips, you might change seats as soon as an opportunity presents itself. Then announce that you're in a lucky seat. Even though you aren't superstitious, your opponents might be and it could change their image of you from loser to someone to be feared.
When bluffing, do not hesitate! You're ruined if you do. Your opponents are going to see your hesitation as insecurity, become suspicious, and call more frequently. Now, if your goal is to produce a call, then faltering might achieve that goal.
Chase. Mike encourages his students to chase these small edges. Over time, small edges can bring a tidy profit to you. But, don't allow imaginary small edges to overshadow your better judgment, resulting in calling too frequently and wild play.
Small advantages spell success in life and poker in a variety of ways. It's up to you to identify them.
Diane McHaffie is Director of Operations at Mike Caro University of Poker, Gaming, and Life Strategy. Her diverse career spans banking, promoting financial seminars and raising white-tailed deer. Contact her at diane@caro.com.
