Creating Your Image at the Poker Table

Setting your table image can make the difference between playing poker and playing winning poker. Many players focus so intently on the other players at the table that they fail to take the time to consider how the other players at the table perceive them. In this way, table images are often set unintentionally. Still, others can purposely set an image that will produce profitable results.

When considering the table image you wish to convey to the rest of the table, you should first consider what style you are going to be playing. You should establish a table image that will increase your chances of winning with that style of play. To pull this off, the most effective way is going to be to set an image that is the opposite of your actual strategy.

The tight-aggressive player wants to create a loose image at the table. Doyle Brunson has had great success coming into ring games and starting right off playing a very fast and loose style, giving him the image of a maniac and creating big action and big pots at the table. Once he has coerced the table into playing wild poker and building valuable pots, he can then slowly slip back into a very tight style of play and wait for a few big hands to take down some big pots.

Another way a tight aggressive player can set a profitable image would be to play a tight game and wait for a prime opportunity. When your position is strong and the table folds around to you, stick in a big raise, regardless of your hand. As a matter of fact, the weaker your hand is, the better. Make this play with something like a 4 7 offsuit. Follow through with an aggressive continuation bet on the flop if you get some preflop action, whether you hit the flop or not. When they fold to you, show them the big bluff and be sure to rub it in, saying something like, "Come on, boys. Nobody had my 7-high beat?" Then when you catch a big hand, play it exactly the same way. You're all but guaranteed to get action.

One thing a tight-aggressive player does not want to do is to show their big hands unless it's on the showdown. By giving away free shows of strong hands, you are essentially advertising to the table that you are only putting in chips when you have them beat. If you knew someone had you beat, would you call their bet? Showing big hands for free just warns others to stay out of your way.

However, showing only the strongest of hands would be an excellent strategy for a player who wants to play a loose style of poker. Observant players will notice that you are playing many hands. It is common for players to remember the pots where they saw the hand versus pots where they did not. By showing the big ones, many of your opponents will assume that you are simply running hot and catching lots of big hands. This benefits the loose player by being able to pilfer many small pots by bluffing in the same fashion that they bet big hands. Those many small pots can add up to alot of money.

Over the next few games that you play, experiment with different styles of play and different table images. Mix them up and log your results. Determine which style and image combination is the most profitable for you.

Best of luck!