Even in the game Poker, there are bullies who will intimidate and terrorize you. Most likely, their aim will be to win by default, do the bluffing and all till others including you are eliminated from the game. Thus, it is important that you know what you’re going to do when you are up against these bullies. Make a strategy.
Have something that will work out. Remember that poker bullies do not play according to the well-known poker wisdom that is to play aggressively when there is really good hands and give up when with bad cards. Normally, they prefer to maximize marginal hands by scaring everybody and steal blinds here and there. They can be so aggressive and tough on scaring the fish and tight players to fold. Not to mention that they can also be on great tilt.
Also, poker bullies if with the best possible card combination can slow down the game. If they have the chance to check, they would check. Same thing with raising and calling. They would play as if they have unimpressive cards when in truth they just want to get a good pot later after showdown.
To beat poker bullies, always bear in mind that when they are playing a hand so slow, then they have the nuts and when they are playing aggressively they have mediocre or really bad hands. And also, to beat them whey they slow play, fold early. When they play aggressively and have some bluffs, call those bluffs. All these won’t guarantee that you will really beat them but these will help.
Poker bullies can be the kind of opponents you don’t want to play with as they can be really naughty and unpredictable at the table. But with right approach, you would be able to beat them.
There will be a time at the poker table that you need to slow play. Most especially if you are into no-limit Texas Holdem, some instances will require you to slow play. If you slow play in a no-limit game, you will give your opponents the chance to commit mistake that would eventually cause them big bucks.
However, it won’t be easy for you to know when is the time you really need to slow play. But having some certain hands can be your clue. You need to slow play when you have hands like high pairs like Aces or Kings. However, you must be up against aggressive player who always seems to raise, only giving you little chance to reraise.
Also, ability to flop a full house or better can be your go signal that you need to slow play. Nonetheless, if you are lucky enough to flop a full house or better, remember to always slow play. Most especially if you can feel your opponents are holding few cards that will let them call your bet and you have a powerful hand like a full house, your better be alert and be wise in your strategy. You can try to check and let your opponents see another card for free to see if their hand has the chance to improve.
In general, slow playing can be a fantastic tool you can make use in your every game. If you know how to use it properly, you can eventually earn much. However, although it is a good tool, be careful also in using this as your weapon. Slow playing for a wrong reason can be dangerous. If you are not sure whether or not you must slow play in a certain situation with a certain hand, never continue. Only slow play when you are sure there is a need to.
Hi,
I guess I have a very simple question to ask. When and for what reason will you check?
I hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards,
January
January,
There are lots of reasons to check. You may want to check to induce a check-raise, you can check when you miss with your hand, you may want to check to induce a bet. You may check to slow play. You may check dark to throw your opponent off. You can check because your opponent’s hair is blue. The reasons depends on the hand conditions and is up to you.
Hello,
I always raise before the flop with AA however just recently I read a book that led me to a discovery. A discovery obliging me to actually slow play to get as many players in as possible. Well, typically, if more than five players call before the flop I chase for a set to win the pot that’s why I usually raise before the flop.
Any comment?
Thanks in advance!
Regards,
Mike
Mike,
You do not want multiple players in the pot when you hold A-A. 5 players greatly reduces your odds to win. You are still a favorite, but not as huge a favorite. I will raise with A-A as well.
Hello,
With what should slow play be applied? With two pairs? How about with full house?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Many thanks,
Abie
Abie,
If you flop two pair or three of a kind, slow play if there isn’t a potential straight or a flush draw present. If you make a full house, slow play if you think your opponent will bet into you or to let them try and catch a hand that they may bet into you with.
Hello,
I’m now into trouble as I don’t know how should I exactly play my cards. I typically play once or twice a week along with some close friends. Well, we all love to buy in to a five dollar tourney as we always get a whole lot of fun doing so.
One time I tried to place in twice. I know I was far better than my friends so I was confident. I decided to slow play. But I was bothered as I know I’m not good at bluffing ever since. Every time I try my friends call or raise to hurt me. And because of this, I just end up chasing and chasing lots of cards to both turn and river, typically flush and straight draws.
As of the moment, we are planning to host a huge tourney, buy in will be $20. Of course I don’t want to lose if in case. So I’m wondering if you have any exercise in mind that you think would be perfect for me. Is there any?
Thanks in advance.
All the best,
Matthew
Matthew,
First, tighten up your hand requirements a bit. Don’t chase flush draws and straight draws unless you have proper odds. If you do not understand what I mean, do some research on pot odds. Also, study up about playing hands in position. Later in the tournament, find spots to steal blinds from the weaker players at the table to help keep your stack healthy.
Another thing you may want to do is play more poker online to give yourself more tournament experience. This way you can work on your game and not rely on your weekly home game.
