Understanding the table image

So there are many poker strategies to become a successful player and one of these is knowing the type of table you are sitting at. It also varies at what game you are playing, for example, probably the best table to be sitting at during a poker tournament is a tight table, so you can pick up as many chips and push people out of the pot. Where as in a cash game, the best is to find a table with a high average pot, that way you can grind until you get a big hand and pounce it when you get it.

Now, you are a part of the table image, and the way you play, determines if people will have respect for you; in other words, it determines whether or not you can get away with bluffs. Now there are a variety of table images you can have, I will try and list the ones I feel are more relevant.

• The loose player
• The tight player
• The Donk

Now these are just 3, of many, many images one can have at a table, the loose player is considered a calling machine, he/she will call endless amounts with inside draws, 2 outers, and really have no self control, when it comes to post flop, and especially pre flop play. These players are the most profitable  to play against, you can keep betting at them and they will call you, assuming you have the better hand. But beware, it is near impossible to try and bluff the loose player, you are better off checking, and letting him "steal" the pot from you, giving him the impression he/she is a good poker player, and you are not, and sooner or later he/she will find out that that is not true.

The tight player can be profitable if you play it right. It is most important that you learn how to separate the loose players from the tight players, and then remember it. Double click their name, and right a simple note on them whether they are tight or loose, it will save lots of time. Now, suppose we have established that X player is tight. First off, when the player is in the pot, unless you have the nuts, you better check. He will most likely not be holding low pair, or a weak hand, if he is tight. If he is betting hard, chances are he is good. The trick to letting him not win a lot is simple, and it is to not call him. Don't let him trap you either, remember this: tight players only play good hands, so when they are in the pot and you have nothing, then just stay away from him/her.

Last but not least, the donks. There really is no advice that I know of yet, the best thing I can tell you to do is this: avoid them. It's near impossible to put a read on them and only play pots against them if you know you have a winning hand. I'll usually only play the nuts or near nuts against donks, but don't worry too much about them, they are a part of the game and they usually don’t last long. I mean, how many times have you seen donks at the final table?

So overall, understanding the table you are playing at is essential. You want to find loose players if you are going to play a cash game, and if your in a tournament hopefully you will end up with tight players. It's key to understand the difference between these players, and once you do you will be that much better at playing poker.