Learning To Survive When You’re The Underdog

August 3rd, 2008

All of us like to think we’re the Master Of The Universe on the table. We have the skills and the strategy to outplay our opponents. But, there are times when you’ll sit at a table and instantly realize that you’re the underdog. You’re a minnow in an ocean of sharks. When that happens, how do you survive? Should you lurk in the shadows and strike when the other players aren’t expecting it? Or, are you better off making them think you’re the player they’ve been afraid to confront. Here’s how to survive as the table underdog.

Developing Your Image

When you approach a table, the others won’t know what to make of you. Chances are, you’ll already have observed them playing. So, you’ll actually have more information than they do. The more information you have over them, the better your decisions will be on the table. If you’re the underdog at a table, fold a lot. It’s not to preserve your bankroll. You fold to develop your image in the minds of your opponents.

Here’s the reason…
As soon as the other players see you folding until you have a strong hand, they’ll dismiss you. To them, you’ll just seem like a player they can bully whenever they want. They’ll think they have you pegged. But, that throws open the door for you to bluff. If they see you betting, they’ll simply fold. The pots you’ll win will be small. But, you’ll win consistently.

Maintain Your Cool

When you’re playing with a bunch of veteran players, it’s easy to start playing aggressively. It feels natural. That’s the mood of the table. Watch yourself. You’re not doing yourself any favors by trying to make a hero play. If you’re taking a pair of threes to a showdown, trying to pull off a magnificent bluff, one player’s call can bring your entire game down around your ears.

Learn to play your hands with moderation. When you’re the underdog at a table, you have one primary advantage: making the others think you’re playing with a style that you’re actually not. As soon as they dismiss you as a weak player, you can begin taking the smaller pots. Remember, a lot of baseball games are won with singles and doubles. Not home runs. You can survive as an underdog. But, you have to play it smart.

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Bluffing, Strategies