Know Your Poker Enemies’ Traits – Last week, we identified the signature playing traits you will encounter when you play Texas hold’em. Knowing how each opponent usually plays his cards, you can be prepared to take appropriate action in your own best interest. Let’s explore this:
• Sitting at a new table: You come to the table and see a very aggressive player there. Instead of asking for different requests, try sitting to his left. Then you can see when he picks up before it’s your turn to act. With marginal hands (which barely meet or exceed the Hold’em criteria (see advertisement below), it would be wise to fold and store a few chips.
• Using the Aggressor: Sometimes, on the flop, you’ll be tied to the top of the board – say, JJ on the flop J-9-6 offsuit. After the aggressive Mr Rise, you can get up to thin the pitch, the few men ready to face you who have a better chance of staying in the lead – and, in the end, the bet. Too many hands can develop which will make your JJ for the best or worse. Fewer opponents substantially increase your chances of staying in the lead.
• A passenger lifts fast: A man notices tight, especially from the starting position, you can be sure he has strong hands. Then, if you are holding an ordinary hand, folding is the best policy.
• Play against Chasers: Chasers present special challenges. Usually, they are the players who (whether they admit it or not) come to the game to play. They can call all bets to the river holding the drawing hand with a slight margin.
Example: A chaser called to see a failure with a small partner. His hands are (as is most likely) unconnected for a set (three-of-a-kind); and there are two cards of honor on the board. Very likely, in the end one of his opponents will have a higher partner.
