Strategy for Novices Outclassed by Elite Players

By Jamie Sharpe
5-25-06

Stuart Tomanek dabbles in poker at FullTiltPoker, and he knows enough to be dangerous, but fully admits, “I still have a lot to learn”. According to Tomanek, you don’t have to be an expert to challenge seasoned players. There is no need for theatrics at the poker table, but a few intentional mistakes often give seasoned players a false sense of security.

Over the past few years, Tomanek has been playing low limit games in casinos as well as playing in small tournaments. He thinks it is important to strategize by calculating the expected values when presented with the situation: to stay in the hand or fold. Once he has an idea of the probability of winning, (based on the number of outs as well as his perception of the other players), the process of either trying to keep people in the hand or getting them to fold begins.

He says that when entering a small tournament, novices should always play it tight, A-K or better. If you realize that you are outclassed by elite players, Tomanek advises novices not to worry. “There a few strategies you can implement to throw other players off their game”.

According to Tomanek, stronger players are usually more intimidated by wild players who make unpredictable moves. “If they sense that you know less than you actually do, and you don’t show fear – that’s a magical combination”. This works to your advantage especially well in small tournament play, “My opponents are wondering, would he really check-raise against an experienced player with nothing”?

In a situation where everybody (including the players at the next table) know that you are out of your league, “Go ahead and let the fat cats get comfortable, and hopefully, sloppy”. He says to exaggerate your inexperience, without going overboard. Tomanek says to forget to ante every once in awhile; ask questions about the blinds; make a big deal when another player is drawing dead. “You would be surprised how experienced players become rattled and try to speed the game along. That's when people start making mistakes you can capitalize on their frustration”.

Tomanek said that he recently entered a small tournament, and he stayed in an early hand with unsuited connectors, which was contrary to his usual conservative strategy. He lost the hand to pocket 9s, but one of his opponents mentioned, "I didn't know you played like that“. Tomanek managed to capture the most important element of poker, the mental edge. Seemingly uncharacteristic moves can be a big advantage in a smaller game. “You should never make a big move against odds, but if you are playing with people who either know your playing style or are playing with you for the first time, staying in can make them think twice about you later in the game”. Similarly, it can increase the possibility that you can keep them in a hand for longer when you do have something to play. Just make sure this strategy never leaves you short stacked - psychology will not do you any good when you are getting leaned on by the chip leader.

If you find yourself outclassed at the poker table, Tomanek insists that strategy combined with a bit of unpredictable play and a few well placed mistakes can yield you winning hands.