It is not unusual when playing online poker to play against opponents who seem nearly impossible to beat. Knowing which signs to look for when you’re up against a professional poker player can be the key to adjusting your strategy.
According to ReadWrite KR, poker is one of the most popular card games in the world, and requires strategic thinking and “psychological warfare”. So, here are some ways you can identify the telltale signs of a skilled poker player, especially when playing live dealer games.
1. VPIP
Voluntarily Put Money In Pot (VPIP) is a telltale sign of a professional player. VPIP measures the percentage of hands a player chooses to enter without being forced (like being the big blind).
Professionals often have a lower VPIP than recreational players. They tend to play fewer hands, and when they do enter the pot, it is selective and strategic.
A low VPIP, typically under 25%, often signals a focused player who won’t get involved without good reason and who is not as excitable as a recreational or novice player.
2. Aggressive Play
If your opponent is playing unnaturally aggressively, the odds are that he or she is a pro. Skilled players don’t just sit around and wait to call, they’re constantly putting pressure on their opponents with bets and raises.
This playing style forces their opponents to make rushed decisions, putting the professional player in control of the game.
Pros know that being aggressive increases their chances of winning pots, even without the best hand. They’ll frequently bet on the flop, river, and turn, making it costly for other players to stay in.
3. Mixing Up Their Playing Style
Professionals understand that it pays to be unpredictable—literally! A recreational player will likely follow the same betting patterns each round, and opponents will catch on eventually.
Expert players change up their play style each time they check, raise, or bet, even with similar hands.
For example, a pro may check with a strong hand and bet aggressively with a weaker one, just to confuse opponents.
4. Avoid Instantly Reacting To Own Cards
A subtle difference between amateurs and professionals is how they approach each hand. If you’re playing a live video game and you can catch a glimpse of the other players, it is important to know what signs to look for.
Casual players will often jump to check their cards the instant they’re dealt, however, professional players won’t react so quickly. Instead, they will be observing the other players.
Even in online poker, without the visual element, you can still spot some telltale signs. A professional player won’t instantly react to their hole cards, showing patience and an understanding of the weight of their decisions.
5. Play In Terms Of Long-Term Expected Value
A clear distinction between pros and amateurs is that skilled players think of long-term expected value. Instead of getting hung up on each individual hand, they tend to play to maximize profitability over time.
This long-term mindset means they’re willing to fold good hands and are patient enough to play the waiting game, knowing their carefully considered choices will pay off as the game continues.
If you notice a player is consistently making moves that seem odd in the short term but benefit them across several hands, you’re probably playing against a professional.
6. Controlling Their Emotions
Professional players maintain a high level of emotional control when compared to novices. Inexperienced players may go on a “tilt” after a bad beat (when they play recklessly due to frustration), whereas pros tend to keep calm and play strategically.
Spotting this online can be tough as you can’t see the other players’ faces. However, you can see how they change their style of play after a win or loss. A professional player won’t impulsively chase losses or act out of frustration. They will play consistently and stick to their game plan, always staying one step ahead.
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