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Giving Less Savvy Opponents the Benefit of the Doubt
The game of no limit texas holdem can be intimidating for new players. After all,
in a game where you can lose everything you have sitting in front of you in a single
hand, it’s easy to see how fear and doubt could run rampant.
As a beginner, it’s common to always feel like you’re being bluffed, or that your
opponent is making some sort of move on you.
However, most of your opponents at the lower money levels lack the poker savvy to
make overly sophisticated moves. In addition, many lack the courage to bet out with
absolutely nothing.
So why do new players tend to overestimate their opponents?
The popularity of texas holdem on television has painted a somewhat skewed picture
for new players of how poker is played. It is quite often depicted as a game of
big bluffs with nothing and "all-in" showdowns. While this may be true for the carefully
selected televised hands, it’s far less true for the lower money levels of online
poker.
When you couple this picture of how poker is played with a lack of playing experience,
it’s not hard to see how new players might feel this way.
Ok, so I get that my opponents aren’t pros. How does this affect my game?
I would highly suggest as a new player playing with other beginners that you follow
two simple rules of thumb:
- Bets mean what you think they mean
When the board is KJ8, and you have an opponent (or two) that bet into you, it’s
extremely likely that someone has a King. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that
everyone is always bluffing you. Fold your QJ and move on.
- Don’t try to outthink your opponents
Are they running some monster bluff against you? Do they smell your weakness
and are just trying to push you around? Not likely.
New players at low limit tables are rarely concerning themselves with what you’re
doing. Most beginners play their own hands, and don’t yet have the skill to bluff
you. Don’t fear that they’re reading you like a book and are just waiting to pounce
on you. This is certainly a natural fear as a new player, but don’t let it get to
you.
Instead, you’ll save a lot of money by always assuming that everyone at this level
is not bluffing you, and laying down hands that aren’t likely the best (like middle
pair). Occasionally, you’ll lay down a hand that was the best and your opponent
will show you a bluff, a worse kicker or a worse pair. Don’t let it rattle you.
Instead, make note of the situation and think about it later. Analyze how your opponent
played it, how he viewed the way you had played it, the cards on the board, etc.
Conclusion
While you certainly can’t go the remainder of your poker career always assuming
your opponents are telling the truth, it’s a good rule of thumb to follow as a beginner.
Give your less savvy opponents the benefit of the doubt and watch them closely for
evidence to the contrary so you can learn how to approach similar situations next
time.
LearnHowToPlayPoker.org
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