Surviving as the Second Best
“Mirror, mirror, on the wall….who is the best poker player among all?” You might ask this question again and again, but each time the mirror does not give out your name. In other words, you are an underdog – the second best among the top players.
And, such a situation is the reality. You have to learn to survive as an underdog in most occasions. Sometimes you are new to the poker world. Here too, use the opportunities in your favour.
As a game of information, poker provides clues, glaring tips, information all the while. Players are playing their game with various moves and tactics. As a newcomer, imbibe the ambience – how a player acts while others react. Why did the player play the way he did? You can also pick up clues and salient characteristics of the players.
All this time, the top players know nothing about you. Fold hands for some games and wait for the opportune moment at the poker table to get your reward. As an underdog, there is also a good scope to bluff easily instead of getting bluffed. You might be acting less but if you succeed in bluffing, you win an amount surely.
It is difficult to estimate experienced players. It is also equally difficult to judge an underdog. While playing poker, it is good to allow players to think that you are utterly novice. At an opportune moment, rob them.
However, know your limit. It is not advisable to out-play yourself when you know that things have really gone out of hand. Poker requires skills, pragmatism, and luck. You cannot always win games. If you see that you are losing considerably, surrender and leave.
Never play with a buy-in which has cost you a lot of effort. If you feel that you would be terribly sorry to see the loss, don’t play.
