Don’t Punch the Fish in Limit Hold’em Poker

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One of the more common mistakes players at low, and sometimes mid limit texas holdem games is to “go after” someone that took a pot off them. I see good players play marginal hands because they know that the moron/fish at the table is likely to put more money in than a normal player, or they want to “get them back” for “sucking out” on them. Even if this isn’t a problem you have, its likely that the view you take to a weak opponent could be improved.

Every player at the table is taking a gamble. Even you. Every player in a poker game fills or takes bets other people make. Some players take long shots knowingly, others only play safe. Neither is necessarily correct. Most of us (taking the time to read) know to take the most profitable play given full information, this means we are taking only gambles we believe are in our best interest. Even in a perfect world full information would be bad, it would be too difficult to make money.

In most games, especially in low limit, there are players that call with no real idea if the odds are in their favor or not. You can find these guys walking around looking for the right slot machine to play later in the night, or possibly in your local bingo hall. Just because this guy is in there with marginal holdings, doesn’t mean you should be. Don’t hunt the fish in limit.

Sometimes a fish will mean that you will be more likely to catch odds to play a hand, other-times it means that you’ll have better implied odds. Using this information isn’t hunting, its using math. Do not however chase down the moron with a weak holding due to frustration. Do not enter a pot out of position because this guy is going to play any two cards you put in front of him. Your concern for playing out of position is the rest of the table.

And finally don’t get frustrated when this guy pays 2 bets cold to catch a 2 outer on the river and hits. If he wants to lay that bet, that’s his right. And god knows you should want him to put his money in without odds. The only people at the table who can take advantage of a moron are the players. The house wants him at the slots, be glad you get your chance with him. Telling him how bad his call was, or showing frustration only reduces your chances to get this action.

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