IMAGE DEBATE
Advantages of a Tights Image
Some writers think it’s important for your opponents to think of you as a tight player because it will give you more opportunity to buy small pots with a bluff.
A tough image also tends to discourage players from bluffing when you’re in the pot, making fewer situations where you have a tough decision to make.
Mason Malmuth is a popular writer who espouses this view.
However, a tight image is not always the same thing as a tough image.
Many times players perceived as tight are also perceived as weak, with a tendency to fold too easily.
If that’s the kind of tight image you have, then it may be true that you can sometimes use that image to steal a pot or two, but players will also attempt many steals from you.
If you really are a tough player, then that’s a good thing.
If you’re not really that tough, then a tight image may not work to your advantage as much as you think.
Advantages of a Loose Image
Others think it’s important to establish a loose image because it entices players to call you more often, increasing the size of the pots you win.
It also induces them to bluff more often, under the assumption that you always have a weak hand.
The basic idea here is that you’re getting other players to put more money in the pot in those situations where you have the best of it.
Mike Caro is a popular writer who’s associated with this view.
By the way, this is the only area of poker I can think of where I disagree with Mike Caro.
Disadvantages of Both Views
I disagree with both sides of the debate.
I don’t think that it’s worthwhile to go out of your way to do anything to try to manipulate the image that others have of you.
Your energy is much better spent making sure you know what that image is, whatever it might be, and adjusting to it.
Pick the Right Table / Picking a Seat / Theories of Poker / Betting Theory: The Odds
A Theory of Starting Hand Value
A Theory of Flop Play: Counting Outs and Evaluating Draws
The Dynamics of Game Conditions / Player Stereotypes
Women and Poker / Spread-Limit Games / Double Bet on the End Games / Kill Games
Short-handed Games / Tournaments / No-limit and Pot-Limit Poker
