Poker Tournament First Impression Vs Table Reflection

In the past my friend used to say “I will play aggressively in the first few rounds, and later I will try to bluff my opponents”. Though this strategy sounded to be great, it had one problem. Your opponents don’t really care what you do? Isn’t it?

If you are playing in ten thousand ($10,000) worth events, then you will be seeing the same players till the end. While playing at a table, your primary goal should be to cultivate your image at the table. This is an important strategy that helps you in reaching peaks of the game. Generally speaking, there won’t be any use if you implement bluffing. What is the use of bluffing your opponents when they don’t see you? It’s your duty to attract players towards you and then only implement your game plan. Generally, it takes time to craft a specific image. If you put yourself in a situation and spoil your image then it takes much time to restore it back. Sometimes when you play twenty to thirty minute games on stacks it becomes difficult to pick spots, based on the hands you’re dealt.

You should know and agree to the fact that your opponents have a tunneled vision. They don’t care about your cards as they care to the cards of their own. They usually play their own hands without thinking about your hands. They sit idle in their chairs, thinking of nothing while you are playing the first hand. Most of the times, players try to use the table to the maximum; but it backfires and makes them weak. You can plan and plot everything as you like, but before that; you should know how the other player views you...

You get only one chance to get the desired first impression. Waiting for a few big hands helps you pull your fellow opponents out of the game in the earlier stages of the tournament. First impressions always stays on the table for a longer time, it is this impression which makes you win, or lose the game. If you wish to win prize money i.e. the pot, then do some mischief and try to grab attention from all the people. Maintain a good table image and try to be smart enough, keep your attention to all those around you and try to win the game. First impression and table image, both are quite similar. Your first impression will be through your table image. It’s not necessary for you to worry about Meta game problems, because you won’t be playing the game for a long time with all players.