Building an Image in Poker

Building an image in poker is of paramount importance. When you’re seated at a table, developing an aura of tightness, looseness, or aggressiveness is critical to your success. Moreover, knowing exactly what your image is and then taking advantage of it can mean big bucks for your bankroll. How can you build your image? What tricks to the trade should you know?

Showing Cards

Building an image can be done with ease by just showing down a few hands. If you make a big hand and the action folds around to you, don’t be afraid to show it down. It’s an easy way to coax others into believing that every time you bet out, you have the goods. Just confidently flip your cards over, toss them towards the dealer, and then scoop the pot. You’ll have your opponents on tilt watching your theatrics. Would you want to play against a guy who has the nuts every time?

Showing one card can be an effective way to cause your opponents to tilt, building your reputation as a skilled player. Say you have Ad-5d on a board with three diamonds. You already have a flush, but just showing the ace of diamonds when the action folds to you may make your opponent question his actions. They’ll be left in doubt, while you’ll rake in the chips. Whether you choose to give information to your opponent is ultimately up to you; just remember to make sure you’re cognizant of your image at the table.

Hands Played

The general rule of thumb is that the more hands you play, the looser your image will be. Contrastingly, the fewer hands you play, the tighter your image will be. Sure, this is overstating the fact, but the number of hands you play should be something you’re always aware of. When in doubt, just count the number of hands you play and compare it to others at the table over a certain time period.

If you aren’t sure what your image is in relation to others, take a look at how your opponents react when you bet. Do they all fold? Do they cower in fear? What does their body language say? Do they insta-fold? Do they insta-call? Do they look frustrated? If you get a bevy of callers, then your image may be a little looser. It’s all about observing your opponents’ habits at the table.

Gabbiness

Most reticent players are generally thought to be tighter, while gabbier players may be considered looser. There’s a fine line between what is considered quiet and what is considered talkative; however, just keep an eye out for the personalities at the table. If you see a very silent soul in the corner holding cards, know that they may be sandbagging the nuts. If they’re very talkative and toss in raises gingerly, then be on the lookout for loose play.

There are many ways you can use conversation to your advantage. For example, you could talk a considerable amount, but nevertheless play tight. Or, you could silently play a bevy of hands and no one would likely know the difference. It’s all about your preference, but this can be a lethal tool in developing your image on the green felts.

Big Bluffs

Showing down big bluffs is a tool that you’ll see many players utilize on televised broadcasts of poker tournaments, but what does it do for your image? First of all, it puts your opponents on tilt, potentially distorting your image at the table. That is, more than likely, you’ll have other players gunning for you after showing down a bluff regardless of your image. Consequently, tightening up at the table after being aware of this can pay off in a big way. Others will likely attempt to run bluffs against you in the future, so be on the lookout.

Again, the most important aspect is to be aware of your image. Are you loose? Are you tight? Use showing cards, the number of hands played, gabbiness, and big bluffs to establish and change your image over time. We’ll see you on the felts at Full Tilt, PokerStars or at your favorite poker room.