Play the Player…

It’s important for the novice player to remember that it’s not all about the cards you hold. Texas Holdem today is more about what the other players THINK you have and what they have.

For example, in a recent online tournament I called with 5c9c.

Early in the tournament when blinds are low I like to see a flop with connectors or suited cards. This gives me a chance to flop a flush or straight or 2 pair. If someone else raises I usually fold unless I have a substantial chip stack and “feel lucky.”

The flop was AKQ “rainbow” or all different suits.

Only three players were still in the pot and I felt they were playing cautiously so I bet the pot. All three folded and I won. Had I felt one or more were aggressive players this would not have been a good move and if one or more called I was ready to check/fold on the turn.

So know your opponents. Take note of how they play and look carefully at what cards they call with. Do they play “any two cards” or just with “premium hands?”

If they are unduly cautious, then from the button you can sometimes raise with junk and the blinds may well fold. This should not be attempted when you are short stacked, of course, because if they call or raise you have not choice but to fold.

And your own image at this table is important as well. If you appear to play solid hands and not junk this enhances your credibility for the ocassional bluff.

So, be sure you play the player and not just the cards you are dealt.