Poker Warfare – Play the Player
Winning players playing poker online know that it is more than the cards that count when playing at the casino. To be successful, one has to read other people to find weaknesses to exploit, and to recognize when to an opponent has you beat.
The Art of War says, “A smart general avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks when it is sluggish and ready to return home. This is the art of studying moods.”
It is also wisdom with practical application in poker online. By observing people, you an often pick up signs that they are excited and confident. Sometimes a player hits a rush of good luck, and one must defer to these circumstances with very tight play. And the reverse is true too.
A player whose energy and spirits are flagging will probably not exercise the best judgment. It might be easier to chase them off the pot or to trap them into calling bets against your winning hand.
Sun Tzu recognized the power of exploiting “tilt” – the condition players fall into when emotions take over after a bad beat or when fatigue sets in. “If your opponent is angry, seek to irritate him.” This is when to engage in some “trash talk” at the table. Dare a tired beaten opponent to call your raise, or stare down someone who seems weak, commenting on how you will beat them if they call.
First gauge your opponent’s mood, then decide on whether to launch an attack on the weak, or retreat from the strong.
