Beginner Strategies,
Texas Holdem,
online poker,
Multi Table Tournaments
June 1 2009
Changing gears is a concept that means a player should change the style that they play to throw off their opponents. You essentially start to play the opposite that your table image has presented so far in the session or tournament. Skilled players will watch your play and form opinions on your style. If you've been playing a tight game, and only showing big cards at showdown, opponents will assume that you have big cards every time you're in a hand.
Once you notice that players are making assumptions about your play, it's time to change it up. If you've been playing aggressively, forcing the action and playing a lot of hands, take a bit of time and wait for some big hands. Your opponents won't give you credit for a good hand because you've been
bluffing too much, and you'll be able to win a big pot off them.
The best players change gears before their opponents have a chance to look them up. They're perfectly aware of their table image and they adjust before their opponents do. So make sure you don't play the same style of game all the time. It won't take long for your opponents to adjust to your style and pound you into the ground. Keep them guessing, and they'll eventually be afraid to get into a hand with you.
