I have witnessed this at the tables where I play. I saw an argument break out that thought was going to turn into a physical altercation. A player with pocket aces flopped a set and lost to a straight by a player who cold called a raise with 2-5 off suit. The “veteran” player started screaming obscenities at the new player who started yelling back that he had the right to play whatever cards he wanted to. The dealer finally got the players settled down but the player who suffered the bad beat continued making snide remarks about the new player. A few minutes later the new player who had been donating money to the table got up and left the game. This is exactly what you don’t want to happen.
Don’t Educate Them
Bad players are overall losers. You don’t want to educate them at the table and you definitely don’t want to chase them away. There is a wealth of books, software and other information available to a player who wants to learn to play the game properly. If a new player wants to get his education by playing at the table in a live game, you should make sure that he “Pays” for this education by the money he will lose chasing down hopeless hands. Why would you want to give this player any “Free Advice” that he can use to maybe beat you with in the future. When a player gets lucky and wins a bit pot you should tell him “nice hand” and encourage him to continue to play that way.
Sure it hurts when you are on the receiving end of a bad beat but a good player knows how to control his emotions and not let it affect future hands. Avoid making any derogatory remakes aimed at the new player. If you are really upset get up and leave the able until you calm down. When you get angry you are one step closer to going on tilt which can be devastating for you and your bankroll.
Adjust Your Strategy
When you are playing in a game filled with new players you will need to make some adjustments to your strategy. Actually it doesn’t matter if they are new players or not. You need to adjust your play based on the players in your game at the moment. If you are in a game with a lot of aggressive players you will want to tighten up from early position. If you are in a passive game with a lot of loose players you will want to play a few more hands. In a game with a lot of callers you will win fewer pots but you will win more money in the pots that you do win. It is up to you to learn how to adjust your strategy to play and win against the new players.
Here are a few tips to help you in these types of games:
Play aggressively from early position with the big pairs but realize that they won’t hold up as often. Pocket Aces will win the majority of times against a small field but will only hold up about 35 percent of the time against a full table of calling stations.
Don’t try slow play or try to get fancy. Bet the best hand if you have it. The straight forward approach is usually the best as there are plenty of players who will call you. Make them pay. Why give them a free card if you don’t have to.
Don’t try to bluff. If you are in the game with even one calling station, you shouldn’t try to bluff. You will be called by some player who wants to keep you honest.
Play more connectors from late position. In a game with many players in the pot your drawing hands go up in value. You will be getting correct odds to see the flop with these hands and when you do hit you will be rewarded with a good sized pot.
Be Thankful for the Bad Players
Don’t complain about new players. Encourage them and make them feel wanted. The rewards are immense. They will thank you by leaving some of their money behind for you to take home If you learn how to play against them.
Until Next time remember:
Luck comes and goes.....Knowledge Stays Forever.