Sizing Up the Competition

The year is almost over and new players are still flocking to poker tables in huge numbers. Even with the holiday season upon us, there seems to be no end in sight to the new money flowing into the poker economy. Poker book sales are up, software and CD sales are up, and the tables are full. Maybe Santa will be delivering poker gifts this year.

One thing you should know when you are in a game is your competition. How do you go about sizing up your opponents and how important is it in the greater scheme of things?

Let's say you are playing in your usual game and a player you haven't seen before sits down. What assumptions do you make about this person? Do you make any? Do you even give this new money a second thought? Are you paying attention or are you oblivious to the fact that someone new has entered the game? The truth be told, I have been guilty of that last one on several occasions. What does that tell me? It indicates that I am not playing my "A" game, and that perhaps I am tired and not paying attention, and should hit the door for the night. Anyway, when a new person sits down, you should try to figure out the kind of player he is. How can you do this? What are some of the things you should look for? What are the "tells" that he might be new versus experienced?

When the new player enters your game, does he appear to know what he is doing? Has he bought a reasonable amount of chips? Does he ask about posting or does he know the drill? Does he post out of position? Has he come in alone? Is he talking to anyone else at the table? Did he recognize or say hi to anyone when he sat down? The answers to these types of questions can help you to size this guy up and get a feel for his play before seeing him enter a pot. If he posts in an unfavorable position, he likely is new and/or doesn't understand position and the value of one bet. Did he buy in for the minimum amount or did he purchase a full rack of chips? A minimum buy-in usually screams novice, and you can categorize appropriately. Does he appear intoxicated? Is he more interested in getting the cocktail server to the table than in watching the game? If so, he could be a live one. How is he dressed? Is he wearing a suit? Is there a large convention in town at the time? This could be a tell that he is a conventioneer from out of town. If that is the case, what is the convention? If it is computer-related, chances are that he is smarter than the average bear.

Does his hand shake when he bets? Novice. Is he wide-eyed and gawking about the room? Does he appear to be looking for poker celebrities? Again, TV remote-control novice would come to my mind. This is not to say that these guys can't be good players, but it's likely they are green enough around the gills that you can outplay them if you exercise discipline and thought. How does he handle his chips? Is he clumsy and awkward when moving them about? Does he make string bets? Or, does he do finger rolls with the chips and shuffle them in stacks of 20? If so, player should come to mind. Does he tip the dealer? If not, it's likely that his only poker experience is from what he has seen on TV. This might even be his first venture into the real green-felt jungle. What limit are you playing? If it is the smallest game in the house, he's likely a novice. If it is the largest, he is most likely a seasoned player. Does he appear to know the floorpeople or the dealers? Those are dead giveaways that he has been to that dance before, but maybe not on the shift you play.

Remember, not all packages are wrapped as you would expect. Think about the first time a player like Jennifer Harman entered a game. What do you think the regulars were saying? You certainly can't judge a book by its cover, and those high rollers from whom she has made her living have learned about those first impressions. Be sensible and pay attention. Study the new players, and don't forget about the ones you know, as well.

Happy holidays to you. I hope that 2005 brings great poker success to you, and most importantly, personal happiness, health, and prosperity. For the world, all we really want is peace. I hope it happens soon. If you can't think of the perfect gift for the player you love, how about a Card Player Cruises poker vacation? You'll love it. Class dismissed.

Please e-mail me with your poker-related questions, comments, and column suggestions. I will personally answer every e-mail I receive. Also, please check out www.cardplayercruises.com for cruise and special event information.