Poker Article
Poker
Table Image
Whether or not you know it, you have a Poker table image. There is a constant
mind game going on while the cards are being dealt. You look at the
other players and try to figure out who they are and how they play. In
turn, they are doing the same to you. Labeling, profiling, and branding
are some of the terms used to describe the act of putting a table image
on someone. To be a great poker player, you must be able to read your
opponents personality as well as projecting who you want them to think
you are. To sum it up, table image is how you want your opponents to
view you, and vice versa.
As you have probably seen on television. Some professional poker players
have signature table images. Sometimes it is an article of clothing or
accessories, like say Chris Ferguson ’s cowboy hat, Phil Laak’s hooded
sweatshirt, or even Greg Raymer’s hologram sunglasses. Other players
just use a stone cold face to help their table image, think Phil Ivey,
Howard Lederer, or John Juanda. Or think of those eccentric guys that
are talking about everything, like Daniel Negreanu, Sammy Farha, or Gus
Hansen. While all these players act different ways they are still taking
note of every move and action of their opponents all while never
breaking from the table image they want you to see.
The same can be said for your local card game. There are players who,
although it seems like they are not always paying attention, are
actually watching your every move.. They will use the facts that they
pick up to pick on the weaker players and changing the game towards
their favor.
The great thing about table image is that you do not have to stick with
the same one. You can be yourself, or if you are good enough, put on a
totally different persona. These people don’t know you, be whomever you
want to be. Use whichever personality adheres best to the game. And
don’t be afraid to change it up from time to time. Get your opponents
thinking one way, and then pull a move that seems to come out of
nowhere. This is how you will continue to become a great player.
There are many types if images that you can project, and we will be
writing about the two most popular kinds of table image in the coming
weeks:
Aggressive Table Image and
Tight Table Image. So check back and
find out which table image can benefit you the most.
Written by Joe Mika
Joe is a very experienced Poker Player. We are very happy to have him
on our staff. To ask Joe a question, visit our
Forum
or email him at
JMika@stackspokeronline.com
Want to play with Joe? You can find him playing at
Stackspoker.com, his name is
joeSPO