Table Image 4: CrazyThis is the fourth and final article
concerning the different table images. My advice would be to master
each image so that you can adjust to any table. Playing
unpredictable is definitely a deadly image when mastered correctly.
I absolutely HATE players who play this way. You can never tell what
they are raising, when they are bluffing, or when they have the
nuts. The problem is that most people get carried away with this
style.
When To Play
UnpredictableIf you are good, you can ALWAYS play
unpredictable. It is a style that can consistently win, day-in,
day-out. The trick to mixing it up is knowing when to do so. You
must play the player rather than the cards. You usually want to play
unpredictable against really good opponents so that they can't peg
you on a hand. Experience will tell you when to switch it up and
when to play the nuts.
Switching GearsThe key to an unpredictable table
image is to always switch gears. Just when your opponents think you
are going to play tight, play loose. When you first sit at a table
decide what the status of it is. If it is loose, begin by playing
tight. Just when they think you are tight, mix it up and play a
little looser. When you are playing loose make sure to bet the flop
if it's a heads-up situation. Most of the time you will take the pot
since your opponent will generally miss the flop. If he calls and a
scare card hits on the turn, for instance, an ace for a low card
flop, you probably want to fire another bullet on the turn as well.
Knowing When You Are Beat
To become a good player you must know when you are beat and fold. It
takes discipline but it must be done. I will let you in on two
really good indicators that you are beat: - Re-raise on the
turn: You are usually beat here. Most players will not re-raise
on the turn unless they have a hand.
- Raise or re-raise
on the river: 95% of the time when an opponent raises or
re-raises you on the river and you are forced to question
whether you have the best hand, you are beat.
Learn
to recognize these situations and fold. Folding when you have a good
hand is tough, but it separates the good players from the bad
players. To recap, always switch gears against the really good
opponents. Pay attention to their every move and read them well.
Playing unpredictable requires you to read your opponents on the
flop, turn, and river. Recognize tricky situations as opportunities
to fold. | 
