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That golden
rule still applies in the game of poker. There are a myriad of players
that you’ll be able to meet when you begin playing poker, whether
it may be in a tournament, a casino or online. But there are four
basic types of poker players and it’s extremely helpful if
you keep in mind their identifiable characteristics. Being able to
recognize what type of poker player your opponent is will go a long
way in helping you determine which poker strategy to use best.
The Rounder
He’s very aggressive, akin to a lion. His roar in the poker
table is mighty enough to scare away other prospective opponents.
He’s the model poker player because he pushes aggressively
when he’s got good hands and even when he doesn’t,
he’s still able to bluff his way into victory. The rounder
seems to have an infinite fount of patience and a keenly observant
style of play.
If there’s a rounder in the table, be smart and avoid playing
against him unless a) you’re a rounder yourself, b) you desire
to seek knowledge in the hands of your killer or c) you’re
on a suicide mission. If, however, you’re not there by choice,
try changing your playing style and be as unpredictable as possible.
Being the smart poker player he is, once the rounder understands
that he isn’t able to second guess you, he’ll retreat
and maybe even choose to play in another table.
The Mouse
He squeaks at the slightest of pressures. Only the best hands can
make this type of poker player play aggressively and sometimes,
not even that can make him go for the gold. Highly allergic to
risk but patient, the mouse doesn’t care about folding
even when there’s too much at stake, if it means a lower
percentage of failure. If you find yourself against a mouse,
establish yourself as a rounder and you’ll be able to bluff
your way to several winnings. But if the mouse plays aggressive,
fold immediately because the mouse only does that when he’s
got a sure win in his hands.
The Maniac
He’s a bluffer, a bully and a jackal. Money is power and
the maniac knows this. He uses his chips to intimidate other players
into folding. Because of his very aggressive type of playing, he’ll
be able to get earn big wins at the start. But his victory is almost
always short-term only. If you’re against a maniac, keep
your cool and simply wait for the right moment to go for the kill.
Never bluff against a maniac because he’s too aggressive
to back out.
The Calling Station
A term used to describe novices. When you’re against an inexperienced
player, it’s advisable to slow play your hands as they’re
capable of killing their own hands. But if there’s more than
one, it’s better to play aggressively.
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