The Role of Table Image in Poker

[FFinesser]

I’ve noticed that table image can have a big impact on how hands play out. When I’ve been playing very tight, my bets usually get more respect, and I can sometimes steal pots more easily. But if I’ve been caught bluffing or playing too loose, people seem more willing to call me down.

That makes me think it’s important not only to focus on my cards, but also on how other players perceive me at the table. Managing that image can sometimes be just as important as the actual hand I’m holding.

 

[Toruk Makto]

It's just as important as playing in position.

 

[topcatbrazil]

Any tips?

 

[TheniT]

Without a doubt, it's important that you know what image you're getting at the table; you can use this to your advantage and make the best decisions.

 

[Igor G]

I’ve noticed that table image can have a big impact on how hands play out. When I’ve been playing very tight, my bets usually get more respect, and I can sometimes steal pots more easily. But if I’ve been caught bluffing or playing too loose, people seem more willing to call me down.

That makes me think it’s important not only to focus on my cards, but also on how other players perceive me at the table. Managing that image can sometimes be just as important as the actual hand I’m holding.

I think that in live games, your image is very important. As for online poker, it's not that important, considering that at least 50% of the players at your table are donkeys and have no idea what image is or why it's needed.

 

[lyki67]

Yes...there are some images ther I don't like, but normally are images not important for me. I look more on how some players playing in different situations.

 

[s0ftdumps]

I’ve noticed that table image can have a big impact on how hands play out. When I’ve been playing very tight, my bets usually get more respect, and I can sometimes steal pots more easily. But if I’ve been caught bluffing or playing too loose, people seem more willing to call me down.

That makes me think it’s important not only to focus on my cards, but also on how other players perceive me at the table. Managing that image can sometimes be just as important as the actual hand I’m holding.

The table image is huge and hard to assess or quantify. Sometimes you just find yourself in great situations with strong cards. You play aggressively, others fold, and the table starts to think you are loose (when in reality you are tight).

It is really about spotting opportunities and capitalizing on them. It is also important to notice when players are not paying close attention; perhaps they are multi-tabling and therefore playing in a more standard manner. This can be quite exploitable.

 

[WellAA]

Any tips?

Play tight and loose in a balanced manner. If you only play strong hands, you will become predictable, and others can exploit that. Mix in bluffs and semi-bluffs so that players can’t get a clear read on you. Switch between aggressive and passive play, depending on the flow of the game.

 

[dannystanks]

Table image is very important for sure!

 

[sandy358]

I’ve noticed that table image can have a big impact on how hands play out. When I’ve been playing very tight, my bets usually get more respect, and I can sometimes steal pots more easily. But if I’ve been caught bluffing or playing too loose, people seem more willing to call me down.

That makes me think it’s important not only to focus on my cards, but also on how other players perceive me at the table. Managing that image can sometimes be just as important as the actual hand I’m holding.

It can be useful to preemptively run counterexploits, but two conditions should be met: the target player (or group of players) is fishy / angry enough to jump to conclusions, but not too fishy / nitty to completely ignore what is going on at the table.

 

[Rosylly]

Yep, it' true if you're tight people respect you more.

But being loose aggresive, you can also use your image to get chips, if you have good hand and raise, re-raise and play aggresively people will think like "oh, this guy again, barreling with air", and call you more when they have worse odds.

I would say even things like Flag, Profile picture and nickname matter. When you have brazilian flag with nickname smth like senturo55 and black Ferrari on your profile pic and UK-flag with nickname cuteponie322 and flowers on profile pic it's two different images and treatment from the table.