Don’t Fall for the Poker Hype
Carl Sampson | January 20, 2012
I have played poker for a long time, nearly ten years as a pro or semi-pro. Although I have read a lot of poker theory, I have designed my own poker style. Where I play online, I see a wide range of styles from many different players. However, remember that not all styles will suit you. One important area is your risk profile and attitude to risk. Each style of play has a certain level of variance, which becomes apparent the longer you play.
If you learn a certain tactic or strategy, ensure it suits you. For example, many players advocate for multi-barrel bluffing as strong and aggressive poker. This is true, but you must get your timing right. Otherwise, you risk far more money than you stand to gain. You may end up stacking off and winning the pot, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the right move.
Sophisticated players will deduce that your range is polarized if you do this too often. Weak players will be calling stations and find a reason to call you down. You can easily end up shipping 100bb in situations where your normal style would have been to go into pot control. However, if your normal pot control game is being bullied, either leave the game or adjust. One thing is certain: don’t automatically play poker in a certain way just because others do. At the end of the day, do what you feel comfortable with.
Carl “The Dean” Sampson
Carl “The Dean” Sampson is an online poker pro, coach and poker writer with many years experience in the poker and gambling industry. Carl has three published books and has written for many leading poker magazines like the WPT and Poker Pro Europe.
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