Poker veteran of 50 years: 'Table image has a lot to say'

The table image you project can have a profound effect on your play and how others perceive you

The better players cannot be readily pigeon-holed. They can change gears at the drop of a hat and develop a chameleon-like persona, which can keep opponents guessing because they don’t want to be predictable.

Identifying how your opponents play is one of the first and most important things a player should do after sitting down at the table. Figuring out what each player is prone to do provides a road map that will help expose the terrain, the speed bumps, and potholes that lie ahead.

On the surface it appears as if most players are playing the same way until — boom — they do something that clearly identifies some distinguishing factor. 

Recognizing your adversaries’ tendencies and playing style is like uncovering a tell 

An observation of someone’s conscious and unconscious actions that can reveal insights into their overall approach and will give you an advantage. 

Discovering playing styles and nuances is a challenge that can take some time to uncover, but once you recognize their inclinations, you’ve got an edge. After all, players don’t change their playing style any more than tigers change their stripes.

This knowledge will be very helpful as the game progresses. Understanding how to play against different playing types makes navigating much easier. As your skill level increases, you move beyond the cards alone and start playing the player.

An interesting example of a particular table image is the “ace hugger.” They love it when they are dealt an ace. No, I don’t mean a pair of aces — I mean a single ace. Any ace with any kicker. And they play them the same way most of the time. They slow-play in hopes of disguising what they have. Depending on their position after the flop, they will min-bet or just call in a later position. If someone raises, they will probably come along for the ride. They love any hand with an ace, and sometimes it works. Almost every table has one, and it helps to know who they are.

Remember what author Maya Angelou wrote:

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them.”

And their table image tells you what you need to know! 

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