There are three kinds of poker games. One is where most of the players are gambling-playing any two cards and counting on "lucking-out" with a flop. These players are chasing hands with low odds.
Others prefer to play solid cards and will only play with good odds of making a hand. Still, you will find tables where gambling and solid poker are both being played. Yet, the nature of poker is that players don't play the same and depending on their position and what has preceded them, they may bet on nothing-just to be playing poker.
So, what's the difference? If you don't know what kind of game you're in-gambling or playing solid poker-it's time to wake up. What to look for may tell you what kind of table you are at.
For example, if a player seems to be limping in every hand to see the flop, he or she is most likely a gambling player. That's another reason to mix-up your play. On the other hand, a player who is patient and doesn't see every flop is pondering the value of starting hands.
But look out for some players who have favorite connectors they usually see the flop with, and stay in if their straight or flush comes close but lay down their cards if the flop doesn't help their straight or flush chase. This is a player who likes to gamble and play poker. Chasers are usually eliminated in no-limit by a large raise.
But there may be players at your table who are tight and wait for high pocket cards or only play high combinations or high flush draws. The way to tell these players is how patiently they play their waiting game.
Some play the same way most of the time. Others will mix-up their play to throw you off-they know you are watching. However, most players eventually return to their favorite tight or loose starts.
If you are playing at a table where two or more players are playing no fold 'em hold 'em poker, and are frequently hitting winning hands, it's best to move on. Why fight lady luck? On the other hand, if most players are not gambling as their style of play, it might be time to play poker and take advantage of their caution. Now a loose bet might be honored, particularly if you have a reputation for being conservative.
Determine early whether you are playing at a gambling or poker table. Usually, the lower stake, limit tables attract more gambling players. Although you will find more systematic poker players at the no-limit tables, you will still find your share of gambling players there. Such higher no-limit players gamble more by limping in to see the flop if there are no raises, and going all-in hoping to scare others and get no callers.
It's also time to examine how you are playing. Are you a gambler or a poker player? If you are seeing all the flops, you are gambling more than playing poker. If you are more selective with your hole cards, you may be a poker player. The message today is don't be either-be both.
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.
