john_entony
feed the Fox
Loyaler
Yes, I agree that behavioral psychology in poker is key. I always try to play uncomfortable against unpredictable players. I always try to be in the best position at the poker table against such players, and I also try to use a more creative style of play. 
Tero
Legend
Loyaler
How do we define unpredictable?
Unless the opponent throws a dice to make a decision for each hand he gets, he will - sooner or later - fall into some category.
So collecting data is the key. It might take a while with these kind of opponents but so be it.
Unless the opponent throws a dice to make a decision for each hand he gets, he will - sooner or later - fall into some category.
So collecting data is the key. It might take a while with these kind of opponents but so be it.
Bluffzone68
Legend
Platinum Level
I am an unpredictable player myself.
The idea is to keep mixing your game play.
One can have notes on my playing style, but that will not match my gamr play.
So its a tough nut to crack.
Like every player, you cannot win every tournament.
But you could see them in the top half.
The idea is to keep mixing your game play.
One can have notes on my playing style, but that will not match my gamr play.
So its a tough nut to crack.
Like every player, you cannot win every tournament.
But you could see them in the top half.
N
neverbluff0799
Legend
Platinum Level
Depand if your having position or not on that player.IF your in position i will try to see a lot of flop and let him make mistake.If he got position and play on the crazier side i think that playing tigth and waiting for your occasions will be the way to go .
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SPANKYSN
Legend
Platinum Level
Many pros would rather play against another pro than an amateur at the final table. Why? Because it is harder to predict their play patterns.
I find it easier to play in the higher stakes games, and I usually do better in them than low micro stakes or freerolls. Players have a tendency to be reckless and chase hands...and they are going to hit them from time to time. Players play discreetly when they have some skin in the game...they have to play to a higher level, or their bankroll will disappear in short order. In order to avoid large numbers of "Inside straight" chasers, you play higher stakes...are there unpredictable players at the higher stakes? Yes, but far fewer.
To combat the unpredictable players, stay patient...throw garbage away and play big hands aggressively.
I find it easier to play in the higher stakes games, and I usually do better in them than low micro stakes or freerolls. Players have a tendency to be reckless and chase hands...and they are going to hit them from time to time. Players play discreetly when they have some skin in the game...they have to play to a higher level, or their bankroll will disappear in short order. In order to avoid large numbers of "Inside straight" chasers, you play higher stakes...are there unpredictable players at the higher stakes? Yes, but far fewer.
To combat the unpredictable players, stay patient...throw garbage away and play big hands aggressively.
C
Cerniera
Enthusiast
Bronze Level
Wait cards big and hope have good hand.Poker isn’t just a game of math—it’s a game of behaviour and actions...Am I right?!
What is your strategy for handling unpredictable poker players?
pentazepam
Legend
Loyaler
The first step is to observe them and then react to their often unbalanced tendencies. Very few payers are balanced, but with the unpredictable ones, it can take a little longer to know how to best exploit them.
Keep your cool, stay patient, and don’t deviate from your game plan just to fight chaos with chaos.
Look at their hands as they play with other players and see if they have the same tendencies against them as they do with you.
Showdowns give the most information often.
In live play, you also try to put up reads that can give you extra clues to some patterns.
Nothing wrong with being a little tight and passive and keeping the pots small until you think you have figured out what type of player you are up against. Go to some cheap showdowns in the beginning as often as possible.
Position is always important, but against unpredictable players, it's extra important because you can control the pot size and the number of streets that money goes in more easily. That also helps with going to showdown cheap with marginal and/or weak hands.
Keep your cool, stay patient, and don’t deviate from your game plan just to fight chaos with chaos.
Look at their hands as they play with other players and see if they have the same tendencies against them as they do with you.
Showdowns give the most information often.
In live play, you also try to put up reads that can give you extra clues to some patterns.
Nothing wrong with being a little tight and passive and keeping the pots small until you think you have figured out what type of player you are up against. Go to some cheap showdowns in the beginning as often as possible.
Position is always important, but against unpredictable players, it's extra important because you can control the pot size and the number of streets that money goes in more easily. That also helps with going to showdown cheap with marginal and/or weak hands.
W
wushibala
Rock Star
Platinum Level
Personally, I find it hard to adjust to players like that.
You never know what to expect — they constantly change their playing style at the table.
It’s tough to tell whether they’re bluffing this time or not.
But I think it’s actually a great skill to have — being hard to read is definitely an advantage in poker.
You never know what to expect — they constantly change their playing style at the table.
It’s tough to tell whether they’re bluffing this time or not.
But I think it’s actually a great skill to have — being hard to read is definitely an advantage in poker.
Huntre
Visionary
Platinum Level
Just forget all you know about math and keep playing, but in this way you can't define the recipie for winning. In this case you are become unpredictable too. So my answer will be keep your eyes open, mind cold, hands calm and repeat.Poker isn’t just a game of math—it’s a game of behaviour and actions...Am I right?!
What is your strategy for handling unpredictable poker players?
Mig32
Rock Star
Platinum Level
When I’m facing unpredictable players, my strategy is to tighten up a bit and let them make the big mistakes. I avoid fancy bluffs and focus on value betting strong hands. I also watch closely for patterns — even the wildest players tend to repeat certain behaviors. Patience and observation are key tools in dealing with that kind of chaos.
These players thrive on creating confusion, so I try not to get pulled into their rhythm. Instead, I stay focused on my own decisions and wait for clear spots where they overplay marginal hands or bluff too often. By staying calm and keeping a clear strategy, I can use their aggression and randomness against them, rather than letting it throw me off my game.
These players thrive on creating confusion, so I try not to get pulled into their rhythm. Instead, I stay focused on my own decisions and wait for clear spots where they overplay marginal hands or bluff too often. By staying calm and keeping a clear strategy, I can use their aggression and randomness against them, rather than letting it throw me off my game.
Navin Sarabjeet
Legend
Loyaler
My strat would be to be unpredictable to them as wellPoker isn’t just a game of math—it’s a game of behaviour and actions...Am I right?!
What is your strategy for handling unpredictable poker players?
DiazPoker3101
Visionary
Platinum Level
Very good discussion topic! Over time I’ve realized that while poker is heavily based on math and the probability of certain hands coming up, it’s just as important to adapt to the situations that come up at the table.
Against maniac players, my strategy is to tighten up a lot and play them for value, but even then there’s no guarantee you’ll win every time. I think the key is to always play within your bankroll, so losing to these players doesn’t mess with your mindset too much.
The good thing is that maniacs are often the best opponents to double up against in a tournament, so every time I face this player type, I try to get maximum value from them, even if it means putting my tournament life at risk
Against maniac players, my strategy is to tighten up a lot and play them for value, but even then there’s no guarantee you’ll win every time. I think the key is to always play within your bankroll, so losing to these players doesn’t mess with your mindset too much.
The good thing is that maniacs are often the best opponents to double up against in a tournament, so every time I face this player type, I try to get maximum value from them, even if it means putting my tournament life at risk
Mag_P1e
Rock Star
Platinum Level
yuriko oyama
Legend
Platinum Level
I can't say much, it's something very subjective and individual, I personally try to face them always playing in position, and when I have a premium hand, I observe the texture of the flop carefully to decide whether to go strong or reduce it so as not to fall into a trap.
hobojim1247
Legend
Platinum Level
I relax and stay calm while observing them play hands. One of the first thing I want to learn about them is what hands they are playing and how they played in the observed hand. Using that information lets me establish what their strategy after I see them repeat it regularly, thus I can develop a counter strategy to exploit their errors.
