THE WORLD'S #1 POKER MANUAL - Card Games

Poker Book, Increasing the Edge Odds
● Push rules and ethics to the limit. For example, fake moves to make the next player believe that
you have dropped, called, or raised . . . then when he reveals his move (a drop, bet, or raise),
remake your play accordingly.
Planned unfriendly or intimidating behavior can be effective for increasing edge odds and for controlling
opponents. Still, the good player uses caution when being unfriendly. He analyzes the game and
evaluates the effects of any behavior on both his short-term and long-term profits.
In some games, intimidating behavior is tolerated if a little humor or congenial behavior is blended in.
Also, the good player may adopt a split personality or may be unfriendly to certain players and
congenial to others ... whatever is most advantageous.
b. Congenial (41)
Unfriendly and intimidating behavior is undesirable for most friendly or regular private games.
Unpleasant behavior could break up the game, result in expulsion from the game, or cause valuable
losers to quit. Congenial behavior is often necessary in such games. But most friendly traditions are
disadvantageous to the good player, such as--
● no betting when only two remain in a hand
● no betting a lock hand (a sure winner)
● no squeeze raising when only three players are in a split-pot game.
Occasional but dramatic displays of friendly traditions will usually satisfy the other players.
Sometimes John Finn is the most congenial player in the game. At other times, he is not so
congenial. He always behaves in a way that offers him the greatest advantages.
How can John switch his personality to fit the game? He keeps himself free from emotional ties to
the game and the players. That allows him to think objectively and define what behavior offers the
most advantage. For example, he will drive a good player out of the game with unfriendly
behavior (see Concept 108). Why will he do that? Another good player would increase the
financial strain on the losers, which in turn would cost John some of his profits to keep those losers
in the game. In other words, a good player would cost John money . . . so why let him play? Why
not replace him with a more profitable, poor player?
c. Introvert and extrovert (42)
The good player usually behaves oppositely to the general behavior of his opponents. For example, in a
quiet game with serious players, an extroverted personality may be advantageous. In a wild or boisterous
game, an introverted personality is often the most advantageous.
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