Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Is it possible to pick up "tells" from an online opponent? Of course it is. Consider the following hand:
At first glance, it may seem like I made a donkey call on the flop. But the truth is that my call was very deliberate and I was confident I had the best hand. I knew this because my opponent instantly pushed when the flop hit. There was absolutely no pause. This lead me to believe he was pulling a stop 'n' go. I knew he was capable of this as he had successfully pulled the same move against me earlier. I knew he did not hold an Ace or a pair as he would have most likely raised pre-flop. So I knew I was best. The real key for me was that even if he had planned the stop and go right from before the flop (which I believe he did) had he caught any piece of that board it would have caused him to pause. Certainly if he caught a Q he would not be pushing so quikcly like that, and if he caught a nine it should slow him down for even a split second. I ended up winning that tourney pretty easily.
So, be observant, you can pick up "tells" online if you're watching closely.
Poker Stars
No Limit Holdem Tournament
Blinds: t75/t150
4 players
Converter
Stack sizes:
UTG: t2040
Button: t1840
SB: t1675
Bill Sparks: t7945
Pre-flop: (4 players) Bill Sparks is BB with A♠ 8♠
2 folds, SB calls t75 (pot was t225), Bill Sparks checks.
Flop: Q♣ 9♦ Q♦ (t300, 2 players)
SB is all-in t1525, Bill Sparks calls t1525 (pot was t1825).
Turn: 3♥ (t3350, 1 player + 1 all-in - Main pot: t3350)
River: T♥ (t3350, 1 player + 1 all-in - Main pot: t3350)
Results:
Final pot: t3350
SB showed 4♥ K♥
Bill Sparks showed A♠ 8♠
At first glance, it may seem like I made a donkey call on the flop. But the truth is that my call was very deliberate and I was confident I had the best hand. I knew this because my opponent instantly pushed when the flop hit. There was absolutely no pause. This lead me to believe he was pulling a stop 'n' go. I knew he was capable of this as he had successfully pulled the same move against me earlier. I knew he did not hold an Ace or a pair as he would have most likely raised pre-flop. So I knew I was best. The real key for me was that even if he had planned the stop and go right from before the flop (which I believe he did) had he caught any piece of that board it would have caused him to pause. Certainly if he caught a Q he would not be pushing so quikcly like that, and if he caught a nine it should slow him down for even a split second. I ended up winning that tourney pretty easily.
So, be observant, you can pick up "tells" online if you're watching closely.
Labels: Poker Strategy
posted by Bill Sparks at 11:32 PM
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