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Poker Tips from
Bodog.com: Game Texture
One thing to pay close attention to pre-flop is the game texture of your table. How many players
are usually seeing a flop? Is your table tight or loose, passive or aggressive? These are all
things you should know the answer to after a few minutes at the table. Game texture can also change
as players come and go and as players become impatient and want action. Game texture is another
thing you should observe pre-flop while everyone else is second guessing their starting hands.
A game is classified as tight when 3-5 players see a flop and loose when 6-8 players see a flop. In
loose games drawing hands become much more valuable, because you will be paid of nicely when you
make your hand. You can afford to limp in with the crowd pre-flop. High-card hands play better in
a tight game where fewer opponents can suck out on you and your top pair with a high kicker or two
pair will often win the pot.
I was playing in a low limit game at the MGM Grand poker room when a massage therapist walked up
to the table and offered a free massage to the winner of the next hand as a promotion. I was dealt
pocket kings in middle position and knew I was in for a long hand when every player at the table
called in hopes of scoring a free message when I raised the pot pre-flop. To make a long story
short I proceeded to bet and raise on every street only to be sucked out on by J-2 off-suit when
my opponent spiked a 2 on the river. To add insult to injury I had to watch the guy who beat me
get a free massage after the hand that I was a 90 percent favorite to win before the river. This
example just goes to show how game texture can diminish the strongest of hands pre-flop. |
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