Anyone who has ever seen George Carlin's standup comedy act is probably familiar with his bit about every driver's reaction to other drivers around him. If the car ahead of him is driving too slow for his liking, Mr. Carlin opines that the first driver will say, "Look at this jerk!" Then a moment later, when another driver goes speeding past him he'll say, "Wow, look at that maniac!"
It is funny observational humor because it is rooted in the knowledge that most drivers believe they possess excellent driving skills and just know what the exact speed should be. Just like many poker players have an inflated view of their talents and knowledge of the game and just know how the other players are thinking. Of course, these types are always sure that others are thinking and reacting to situations just as they would. Well, guess what ... everyone doesn't drive or play poker the same way. That's what makes poker, and everything else for that matter, so interesting and challenging.
This kind of thinking, which is more prevalent than one might think, can help us to read other players. Paying attention to all of the minutiae occurring around us during play can supply hints about those opponents who believe that there is only one way to do things and everyone else does things the same way. A solid candidate for this type of thinking pattern is a player who makes comments about why he made a certain move, or is quick to critique another player's style. When you observe such an opponent, take careful note of his tendencies. Many times, he'll believe that everyone plays just like him and his tunnel vision can be used to your advantage. At the same time, we should remain acutely aware of the persona we are projecting to others. The old adage of tight is right is, in fact, right!
However, one can play too tight and be missing opportunities. If the table perceives you as a rock you just won't get any action, so you need to appear looser than you are. The best way to accomplish this misdirection without throwing your money away like a maniac is to semi-bluff more often and to loosen your starting requirements from late position. Not to the point that your opponents will think you've become the resident maniac, but enough to appear to have some gamble in you.
If you don't give action it is tough to get action in return. If you're selective in the action you give to appear looser than you are, it will pay dividends. Selective in the sense of not just raising or loose calling, but picking spots with marginal hands that have outs. When you hit a marginal hand and have to show it down you might note the raised eyebrows around the table when you had been projecting a tight image. The conservative players at the table will be surprised at your play, and the players who are not quite maniacs will view it as standard operational procedure.
Keeping your opponents guessing by changing gears or just making occasional loose plays is a major part of your deception arsenal. Let's make a new goal today that if our play has become so rote as to be predictable we will start changing it up. Not to the point of being what Mr. Carlin views as a "Slow Jerk" or a "Fast Maniac," but enough to keep the competition confused. If you can become an enigma to your opponents it will be a major step towards becoming a winning player.
See you next "TIME."
