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