Table Image Part 2

[Fonzi]

There are two main ways to use table image to your advantage at the poker table; either by making decisions based on another players' perception of you, or making decisions based on your perception of your opponent. The latter is most commonly exploited by getting a clear idea of your opponents' style of play and then playing the opposite way.

For example, if you sit down at a table and find that the majority of your adversaries see a lot of flops and are constantly betting and raising, playing the role of a tight and somewhat passive player would prove profitable. As your opponents busy themselves with trying to out bet each other, you are patiently waiting for the most opportune moment to strike and fire back with a check raise on the river that takes them by surprise. You should also be aware that the more perceptive players may have already picked up on your tactics and will be hesitant to give you action when you do enter a pot. Therefore it might be a good idea to try and see a couple of cheap flops with marginal hands in order to disguise your strategy. Just don't get too attached if you do end up catching a small piece of the flop.

You can also use table image to attack opponents individually. If you've pegged someone a tight passive player and find yourself heads-up against them, you may be able to steal the pot with an extra bet or raise if you sense the slightest bit of weakness. Be wary, however, if you do make this play and your opponent surprises you with a call or comes over the top of your raise – now he means business.

Being able to recognize your own table image is essential to making it work to your favor. Try to keep track of the number of flops you see, the frequency with which you raise, the kinds of hands your opponents have seen you expose and everything in between. You should also listen for clues directly from your opponents as to how they view your play. If you're playing tight, you'll often hear someone say “I'll have to remember to get out of your way when you play a hand.” If you've been raising and being the aggressor, someone might say “imagine that, another raise.” All of these comments are clues that can help give you a better concept of your own table image.

Let's assume you're playing a loose aggressive style and your opponents have clearly picked up on it. Ideally, now you should change gears and wait for a premium hand while your opponents still have you pegged as a maniac. When you're finally dealt a pair of aces or kings, play them exactly the same way you played to earn your reputation, by betting and raising, and you're bound to get some extra action on the hand. Conversely, if you've been playing a tight game and haven't seen many flops, use your conservative image to make a couple of bluffs. Opponents are much more likely to respect a bet from someone who's played fewer pots than everyone else.

Remember, the minute you sit down at that table they'll be watching you. Watch right back. Know your opponents, know your own table image, disguise your strategy and “play the man” accordingly.

By Garry Gates
- Poker Expert