We often talk about “image” at the poker table, but how often do you use this image to your advantage?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, what exactly is “image”? Image at the poker table refers to the style of player your opponents consider you to be based on what they’ve seen of you. For example, if you’ve been raising or re-raising frequently you will be seen as an aggressive style of player. If you’ve raised or re-raised every hand for the past three orbits they will probably think you’re a maniac. But whether you’ve played one hand or 60 hands in the past 100, it’s vital you stay alert to your image.
What image are you giving off?
Like it or not, every player has an image – including you. If you are new to bigger live events, you’re most likely going to play a fairly conservative style because you don’t want to bust early and are just hoping to make the money. Your opponents – the decent ones anyway – will notice this and adjust accordingly. Now it’s time for you to do the same.
So how do we do this? Let’s take two simple examples. First, if you are indeed the table nit and have spent most of your day folding, this is the perfect time to start making some well-timed 3-bets with air. Sure, you might be card dead and sick of looking down at 7-4 on the button, but if you’ve barely played a hand all day your opponents have no choice but to give you credit when you suddenly spring to life.
Viktor Blom is renowned for his aggressive style
Conversely, if you’ve been the table captain for the first few hours, it’s time to put the cue in the rack once you notice your opponents start to play back at you. BUT, there is one much greater advantage to being seen as an aggressive player at the poker table. Eventually, no matter how maniacal your play might have been, you’re going to pick up a monster. And because your opponents think you’re insane, nobody is going to believe you. Time to take their chips!
Use these spots to your advantage and you’ll soon see your stack heading north.
