There's a well-known tale about an exceptional poker player, poker Hall of Fame member Eric Drache who once reached the status of the eighth-best player globally. However, he frequently found himself short on funds because he consistently competed against seven players who were more skilled than himself.
While this anecdote might be exaggerated, it nonetheless serves as a compelling illustration of how critical it is to make wise game selections.
Unlike many other casino games, poker involves competing with other players rather than the casino itself. A winning player generates profit based on the disparity between their skill level and that of weaker opponents.
This means that being able to identify less skilled players can be just as vital as mastering the technical aspects of playing well.
Table of Contents
- Just How Important is Game Selection?
- Game Selection Poker Tips
- There Must Be Money on the Table
- Wealth Shifts from Less Skilled Players to More Skilled Ones
- Loose players are often the preferred opponents for skilled players.
- It's generally better to face passive opponents than aggressive ones.
- You can count on encountering inexperienced players when alcohol and gambling are involved.
- One Final Note On Game Selection
Just How Important is Game Selection?
Many players typically overlook the quality of the games they join. They walk into a poker room, head to the brush area, and are given a seat at the table they chose, remaining there for the session. This is a missed chance!
That said, some individuals have limited opportunities for selecting their games. If you usually participate in a friend’s home game or a public poker room with only one table, options are often scarce unless you’re willing to go elsewhere for your game. poker game ). But many of us do have a choice.
When entering a poker room with several tables available, we sometimes have options. Even if we are initially directed to a game, we can shift to a different one as the evening unfolds.
We should consider our ability to pick a table or switch tables as a meaningful opportunity to earn money.
Five key guidelines can help steer us in identifying the suitable games to play. best table for making money .
Here's a brief overview of these principles and how to implement them effectively.
1. There Must Be Money on the Table
Willie Sutton gained notoriety as a notorious bank robber in the 20th century. Despite his questionable profession, he was well-spoken, and the media appreciated his sharp wit and honesty. When asked why he targeted banks, he promptly responded, \"Because that’s where the money is.\"
The same is true with playing poker Similarly, we should seek out where the potential profits are. If we find ourselves at a table full of players with small stacks, all using $1 chips, even the best player won’t profit significantly because there’s minimal money to be made. Hence, we should steer clear of games with short-stacked players.
2. Wealth Shifts from Less Skilled Players to More Skilled Ones
Of course, this situation doesn’t occur every hand. Luck plays a major role in the outcomes of poker in the short run. Still, over time, weaker players are bound to lose money to those who excel.
Therefore, it’s essential to target games populated by mediocre or less skilled players. Your initial challenge is to identify who they are.
3. Loose Players Are Often a Skillful Player’s Preferred Opponent Trait
Some players believe that it's impossible to make money in a game filled with loose or unskilled individuals. They think if everyone is calling, the game becomes a matter of who has the stronger cards. This notion couldn't be more misguided! In fact, it's entirely the opposite.
Loose players are the type of opponents we seek out—they represent our best chance to earn money. Spotting them is straightforward; just observe a table for a few hands and note how many players stay involved through each betting round.
Generally, you should aim to participate in games where at least three players remain on the turn and river, and four or more are involved in seeing the flop and turn. If you notice players folding too readily before the flop or the game degenerating into heads-up contests post-flop, it’s wise to be patient and wait for a better opportunity.
If you find yourself at such a table, it's completely acceptable to sit down but keep a lookout for the chance to switch to a more advantageous game.
4. Passivity in Opponents Is Preferable to Aggression
A skilled player can capitalize on opportunities presented by various playing styles. However, many of us are not experts. Instead, we want to engage in games where we can assert ourselves as the more aggressive and proactive players.
We prefer not to find ourselves in situations that necessitate tough decisions driven by the opponent's aggressive play. By observing the table dynamics briefly, we can gauge the overall aggression or passivity present.
Do players tend to call pre-flop ? Are 3-bets Is it typical for players to check their bets on both the flop and turn? If so, it’s likely a better environment for us compared to one where the majority of players are prone to raising or folding.
5. Alcohol Consumption and Gambling Typically Attract Less Competitive Opponents
While some players who drink during games may still exhibit competence in poker, the same can't be said for those engaged in alternative betting on activities like keno, horse races, or table games. Generally, those partaking in drinking or betting on games stacked against them aren't the serious poker players posing the toughest challenges.
It’s usually simple to identify such players; drinkers will have beverages at hand, while gamblers will be engaged with other bets while at the poker table. Seek them out and join the games they’re in.
Conversely, if you come across a table where players are mainly consuming bottled water or coffee, and no one is involved with simulcast betting or slipping out to play craps, it’s best to avoid that game.
One Final Note On Game Selection
The quality of games can evolve over time. What may begin as a good game can deteriorate as less skilled players deplete their funds, allowing better players to enter seeking profit.
Similarly, a poor game can improve over time as proactive players leave to find better opportunities, paving the way for less attentive players to join.
This is something to remain aware of, so you don’t inadvertently leave a game that was subpar but is currently on the upswing.