The Online Poker Player Resource

Unraveling what it is your opponent’s pocket cards are very similar to a detective’s job. This is probably why many poker professionals are constantly making references on FBI profiling. For Poker players, one of the primary ways to solve the mystery of an opponents hand is through observing play style and betting patterns. It is impossible to discuss every single type of betting pattern known to the poker world. Instead, this article will discuss some major patterns in order to help players think about the concepts that are behind analyzing betting patters and play style.

One common betting pattern is the check raise. This is a very common move that many beginners and amateurs use to attempt a trap or gain more chips from their opponent. When a tight aggressive player makes this type of move, 9 times out of 10 he will have the better hand. Note that a good tight aggressive player may choose to use the check raise for a bluff. This “mixes” up their play, making it even harder to read what their pocket cards are. The very loose or “maniac” players may use this move also. Most of the time, again, the player has a good hand. However, there is a higher chance that the loose aggressive player would be bluffing. If the price is right, and the chip stacks are good, calling the check raise would be appropriate then.

Another common betting pattern many players will exhibit is the raise pre-flop, bet on the flop, and then check after the turn card shows. This is a sign that the player has two high cards (typically Ace King) that missed the flop or the turn especially. Against a tight player, good size bet usually induces a fold. However, if you are playing against player who has called other players all the way down to the river, then it would be a better idea to play cautiously against this player. There might be a bad river waiting for you at the end.