Poker News

John Carlisle

A friend of mine has been pulling huge profits at a local (not-so-legal) cardroom. He employs some of the same tactics each time he plays, and it almost always works to the tune of hundreds of dollars per session. Through the early course of the game (NL Hold ‘Em cash games), he’ll intentionally call way too often and throw out some foolish bluffs. He is basically advertising that he is a complete fish. In reality, he is a very strong player with a keen ability to be able to read players. After he’s allowed himself to be bled of a couple hundred dollars, he springs into action with tightvery aggressive play. Inevitably, more than one player at the table will fall victim to his set-up and continually pay-off his bets down the stretch. I am not sure that I would advocate this style to many players, as it involves high risks and certain conditions to be met to reach success.

If you choose to try the set-up, one of the keys to employing this trap is being psychologically prepared to weather the storm. You have to donate some of your hard-earned bankroll to have others perceive you as weak, or as a calling station. As the cash gets drained, you can not panic as it is actually nearing the time to play tight/aggressive. Mostly, you must remain confident that you will be able to dominate the table and dictate the flow enough to recoup any losses.

The risks of failure are high. After calling off many chips, you may indeed get more callers to your premium hands. More callers means more chances to get out-drawn, though. You may be only one bad beat away from leaving the cardroom with your pockets emptied. Also, you have to assume that your opponents arewatching you close enough to see that you are playing loose & calling too much. Some players simply don’t pay attention to such information (especially during online play, where the set-up is a tough sell). Likewise, if they do see that you are calling a lot you have to wonder if they are wise/experienced enough to identify your set-up attempt! Lastly, you are relying on some good cards to come your way as your chips dwindle. A bad run of cards may leave you blinded out and too short to make any noise.

If you choose to try the set-up despite the huge risks, make sure that you are prepared to control yourself while manipulating your opposition. During the early stages, you have to be a noticeable player. You must give away free information about your draws and busted bluffs. You may have to attempt to display a recklessness which conveys that you are willing to risk money with poor cards. All of these efforts must seem genuine because once you are identified it may be impossible to regain a strong foothold. Be sure that the conditions are right and that you are prepared to make the full efforts. The profits can be great, but so can the losses. If you find the right table with susceptible opponents, give it your best effort and learn from the experience.

Now go make it happen.

Filed under: Poker News