Have you ever played poker where the other players aren't interested in winning pots?
Don't even think about the answer. Sure you have!
It happens in tournaments.
You have played fairly well and are down to the last two or three tables. Players have less chips and they aren't really interested in calling a bet or raise unless they have a powerful hand.
All you need to do in a situation like this is to sniff the wind:
When you sense weakness, strike! It will generally win you the pot!
Notice I said 'generally.' Sometimes you will find yourself playing against a SHREWD player who will not come out betting a made hand but will call with it. You will lose more tournament chips against players of this caliber than against anyone else.
An orphaned pot is one that is up for grabs.
We used to go blackberry picking when I was a kid...
...and there would always be the largest berries inside the patch. But to get there you would have to crawl through the thorns.
Yes....
...you would risk getting pierced and bloody, but if you succeeded, you would get your hands on the best tasting blackberries and it was worth it!
The closer you get to the end of a tournament, the more orphan pots you will find. Be aware of this and learn how to use your chips to advantage.
If you have a player at your table who will raise but not come out betting if he misses the flop, that could set up an orphan pot. I ALWAYS watch for such players and keep a file on them.
You can find such players early in the tournament. You don't want to jump on them right away! Wait until the situation improves and the player has lost a few chips. Then...
...if he makes a raise and low cards come on the flop, come out betting regardless of what you have. You'll probably surprise yourself by winning the pot without a call.
Naturally you would not do this if you are facing a raiser who follows up his raise with a bet. In such a case, you need to make a hand before betting.
Being aggressive helps you win tournaments. You must keep that aggression up throughout the tournament. Sometimes our strategy will backfire but more often it will pay off. Use your good judgement and instincts. If you have developed your instincts properly, you won't get yourself in trouble.
Watch out for players who raise and then check after the flop comes with a pair and a high card. When that happens, the player either has aces or has hit the high card. Your bet could get you in deep trouble.
As you near the end of a tournament, keep your spirits high. Joke with the dealer and the other players. Keep them off balance. Kid with the cocktail waitress. Say things like:
"Lordy, I never thought I would get this far. Just wait until I write home to Mama. What a story I'll have to tell her."
Your words will drive the other players crazy, exactly the effect you want. It puts you in control of the conversation at your table and that is a position you desire.
Those orphan pots need to be won by somebody and why shouldn't it be you?
If you make a raise, and find yourself in a pot with a timid player...
...make a continuation bet after the flop, fourth street and even on the river. Make the bet a little more each time. Sometimes you will lose, but more often you will win!
Let's face it:
Poker sometimes requires you to gamble. If you have no heart for gambling, you shouldn't be in the game.
I call it being blooded. Get blooded early and then follow up on it. That is the way to turn yourself into a winner.
Author: Geno Lawrenzi Jr.
(Geno Lawrenzi Jr. is an international journalist, magazine author and ghostwriter and poker player who lives in Phoenx, AZ. He has published 2,000 articles in 50 magazines and 125 newspapers. If you want to share a gambling story or book idea with him, send an email to glawrenzi@gmail.com ).
