Poker Opponents Poker Player Types Defined
How can I get women poker players– especially NEW players to remember the different poker opponents so that they can leverage their play against them?
Easy! I’ll use pictures and references from Magic Mike. Done.
Okay… when you’re done fantasizing, let’s get on with the poker lesson… I’ll wait…
Poker Opponents & Poker Player Types
There are many different “types” of poker players out there. And even though this is the case, when you’re at the poker tables or online, you’ll usually be able to put your poker opponents into one of five main categories. The reason this is important (for those of you who are new to the game) is because you will have to adjust your play and strategy based on the specific poker opponent (or opponents) you’re involved in a hand with. Just like judi bola terpercaya, you need to be strategic when playing this game.
That is… if you want to maximize your winnings.
The five basic poker opponents are “the Fish”, “the Nit”, “the Maniac”, “the Rock” & “the Expert”… and knowing the specifics of each will give you an edge. So without further ado…
- The Fish
Also affectionately known as a “calling station” (because these players habitually check and call every hand), these players are easy to peg. They are too loose preflop (play too many hands), rarely raise (do not extract value from their better hands), and are delightfully passive (newbies or pansies).
These players are plentiful and will act as the main donators to you and your growing bankroll.
Fish will often give away the strength of their hand by betting impulsively and out of turn when they have an actual hand and passively checking and/or calling otherwise. Fish seem to have a hard time folding any hand until the river, so take advantage of value betting your good hands against them.
Lastly, fish aren’t usually big bluffers. If a fish is betting and raising– it is probably wise to give him credit for a legitimate hand unless you have good reason to believe otherwise.
Tips on playing the Fish:
- You’ll want to seek “the fish” out and play them as much as possible.
- If you’re at a table with no fish then it’s probably time to leave that table (unless something yummier is there of course).
- When a fish enters the pot ahead of you, you may want to open up your preflop range and raise a few more hands in order to force the other players to fold and get the fish all to your self! (Otherwise known as “isolating”)
- If possible, sit to the left of the fish.
- Respect a fish who suddenly starts betting/raising.
- Value bet your better hands against them.
- The Nit
Nits appear to have some slightly extreme tendencies. They are very tight preflop– playing only the hands at the top of their range (they only play really good hands). It is for this reason that they may appear to be overly aggressive at times. In actuality, they are likely playing aggressive because their hand is a premium one (justified aggression vs. maniacal aggression). So their hands are to be respected in general.
These players are NOT donators like the fish, so don’t expect to make too much money from them. Taking advantage of nits is easy, however, because they are easy to steal the blinds from, put on a hand and bully out of a pot when they miss. Unlike fish, nits can find a fold.
Tips on playing the Nit:
- Steal the blinds (when applicable) liberally from these players.
- Bully them out of hands when they miss
- Sit to their right
- The Maniac
These are the Tasmanian devils at the table. Whatever their reason or rationale– crazy, drunk, or “just having fun”, these players are out of control. They are extremely loose (play WAY too many hands) and ridiculously aggressive (raising just because they can). When these players are running hot they can amass a ton of money in a given session, but for the most part they are spewing their money away one inflated pot at a time. Not uber-common, it is a near orgasmic experience when one DOES sit down at your table and you are the beneficiary of his lunacy. Since you know what he’s going to do when it’s his turn to act– (he’s going to bet or raise)… take advantage of this knowledge and use his tactics against him.
Playing against a maniac is a treat you will learn to savor… all the way to the bank. Enjoy.
Tips on playing a maniac:
- Just like a fish, you want to isolate a maniac!
- Unlike a fish, a maniac’s aggression does not equate to a strong holding– he’s just aggressive for aggression’s sake.
- Be more inclined to call down this player with your mediocre made hands–which have a decent shot of winning against his range.
- Make sure to bet, raise, or reraise with your stronger hands in order to maximize your winnings
- The Rock
Solid, solid, solid– hence the name. The rock is the “ABC” poker player. Almost robotic in his predictability, the rock is a good player– but not an expert. The only trick up a rock’s sleeve is that he “knows what he’s doing”… almost.
The fact that there is little adaptability and deception to his game makes him less profitable at tables where he finds himself outclassed. But a rock can and will hold his own at the plethora of fishy tables where his knowledge of the basics and handle on his emotions gives him a decisive edge.
Tips on playing the Rock:
- This player is not giving his money away. He’s best to avoid getting involved with (at the poker table that is).
- The Expert
An expert poker player is able to adapt with the ebb and flow of any given poker game. They are quick to identify their opponents leaks and weaknesses and exploit them fully.
Expert players not only have a handle on every aspect of the game, but a deep understanding. They are able to use this to their advantage on many levels and (if they use proper bankroll management and keep their ego in check) they are very VERY wealthy poker players.
