Opponent Observation

This week, I'm going to look at analyzing your opponents and picking up on styles and patterns of play that can make all the difference when the game really gets going?

Firstly, observing how other players are betting, even when you are not involved in the pot, is a must.

The most common faults, especially amongst inexperienced low-limit players, is that they will see the 'flop' in Hold 'Em, for example, with hands they should have folded, they will call when they should fold and they play their hands long after it's clear they're beat. In short, they play too loose.

You will hardly ever see a beginner low-limit Hold 'Em player play too conservatively or too tight. If they have the option of either calling or folding they will almost always decide to call. They came to play and it's no fun for them to fold without calling one last final bet to see what you have.

The major difference between inexperienced low-limit players and medium/high-limit players is that the latter do a lot more raising pre-flop. If you ever find yourself in a game where there is an excessive amount of raising going on even the flimsiest of cards, that's a sure sign you're up against a talented player and it's worth thinking about getting out!

One last tip, always assume your opponent is better than you until you have clear evidence to the contrary. Over confidence is a crime in this game!

Ok class, that's a wrap for this week’s lesson. For Lesson 8, be sure to come back next week and remember to always keep abreast of Games Theory. Exchange new information with players, and read Poker related literature - it helps!