Exit Strategy
The first of these mistakes which embolden opponents is to signal the table that you will only be playing until the blinds come around to you. Players do this by actually announcing this to the table (how dumb is that?) or by racking up prematurely which announces their plans. More astute players realize that racked up players tend to tighten up because they don’t want to fritter away chips that they have already imagined as coin of the realm in their pockets. This knowledge emboldens them to take shots at the departing player who will be more likely to fold. There is no good reason to provide advance knowledge as to your plans.Short StacksAnother common mistake encouraging foes to take advantage of you is playing with a short stack. Now I know some will disagree with me and believe that entering a game with a short stack is a good poker strategy which can enable you to make a quick hit with limited down side risk. To these folks I say, “You’re certainly entitled to your opinion, but guess the news – you’re wrong”! I believe short stacks look like easy prey to deep stacks and can be bullied unmercifully and are usually targeted by gambling cheats
stronger, more savvy poker players in possession of deep stacks.Playing StyleAnother way some players invite target practice by opponents is by a style of play that is totally predictable. This is usually exemplified by a weak/tight mode of play. These rocks sit there waiting for the right position and very strong hands and then still like to see a cheap flop to make sure they are way ahead of the pack. If casino cheating
this behavior applies to you, realize you really need to mix up your game and step outside your current comfort zone. If you’re sitting there playing scared poker you become a target for the more experienced players who can smell fear several tables away.Emotional DemeanorI’ve written about this one many times – if you find yourself losing, remain stoic and do not become emotionally demonstrative by whining and moaning about your misfortune. In fact, I like to make a re-buy if I’ve been losing so newcomers to the game will not conclude that I’m struggling by viewing my depleted stack. Whining players are on the edge, or worse, of tilt. The whiners are the regular targets of more emotionally grounded players. If you do become so upset as to be unable to control your emotions, then do yourself and your bankroll a favor and take the rest of the day off. Allow your bankroll to live to fight another day.