The Masters of Poker: Passive Players

Although there are a few different ways to play passively and be very successful in poker, passive poker play is a style that requires the ability to read an opponent well as well as understand the game itself exceptionally. Knowing all the odds or just checking out how the cards fall and players play, all take place in the mind of a passive player. It, like all other poker styles, is an art! Passive players do a lot of calling, trapping, and check - reraising bluffs.

There are several objectives in a passive player's strategy for any type of poker game. The first is to set up table image. Making others realize you will call their raises gives them no extra options of bluffing you, unless they are truly sneaky. It let's others have the impression of you as a chaser, to set up trapping. Setting up the image gives you much more lead-way for bigger moves later in the game. You are playing mind games with your opponents, which if work will lead to a much bigger payday for a passive player.

Another objective is to get better reads on your opponents in different situations. The only way to know a new opponent is to feel them out and see how they react to different actions. A passive player understands his opponents quickly to be successful. Calling them to see their next move because they will likely do the exact same thing later. Raising them to see if they react with fear or more aggression and using what you've just learned in another hand. Having a good memory is great for passive players because many times, we end up playing with the same or very similar people.

Poker is a skill game and passive play is its mastery. Successful players want a solid game and are able to adjust to any situation. Poker, especially no-limit holdem, is the true strategy game. Passive players attempt to be better than any strategy. Beating opponents any way that is possible, knowing their weaknesses, and predicting their ever move. Have fun with this style, but learn at every opportunity.