Mind Games
Poker is not just about cards but also involves complex psychology. More experienced poker players know this, and learn to adjust their thinking to factor in more than just the cards in front of them. They also consider what other players might be thinking.
Because poker is a game of deception, savvy players modify their behavior and betting to try to get their opponents to draw erroneous conclusions. Likewise, they observe their opponents playing and betting style to get a read on each individual hand. When a game has good seasoned players, the levels of thinking transcend the cards and the players are playing the player. This is where bluffing and slow playing a monster hand become effective strategic techniques.
When you know your opponent thinks at this more complex psychological level, then you must adjust your play accordingly. You consider what your opponent thinks you have versus what is actually in your hand. For instance, you are holding suited connectors and the flop misses your suit, but you hit second high pair. You bet it to represent that you have paired the King that is out there. You are trying to influence your opponent’s thinking. Continuation bets and raising on the turn and river may force the fold.
However, if your opponent strictly plays only their cards without considering what other players are holding or thinking, you will probably not get them to lay down with a bluff. This is how bad beats happen. Against these players, simple adhere to the basic elements of good poker. Play only premium hands and raise with the nuts. You probably can’t influence this type of player’s thinking.
