My Bi-Weekly Reader

The flop was 9-8-2.  We had 9-8.  So when our turn came, we bet several hundred.


"You have 9-8," a woman across the table from us said.  We said nothing, as the hand went on to the river.


"Who said I have 9-8?" we asked.  "You're right."  We showed the cards and claimed the pot.  But howwww did she know that?


"I read you.... how you play," the woman explained.


"We play too much d**n poker," a man next to her said with a laugh.


That man has a good point.  Play poker often enough with the same group of people, and you learn tendencies and habits -- not only about how they handle cards, but what sort of music they like and what they do for a living.


From a Biblical standpoint, there are two ways to look at this.  A believer should have a reputation for character that's above-board....

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. - Proverbs 22:1

If you say you're a Christian, your life should reflect that name -- especially in the public arena, such as a poker tournament.

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.  We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. - II Corinthians 5:20

But on the other hand, Jesus warned some people that you might "read" as Christians actually might be something else:

Watch out for false prophets.  They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. - Matthew 7:15

We came across an online article offering tips on finding "tells" in online poker tournaments.  But we disagree with most of the author's conclusions.  For instance, quick bets can come from high-quality hands as much as junk cards.  It's the same way in life.  Even with believers in Jesus, their lives could be a big ol' bluff.

Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment. - John 7:24

Sadly, one minister who prophesied Jesus would return in late May wound up being convicted of federal tax evasion two weeks later.


During the tournament we won Monday night, we made one "bluff bet" on the river which convinced our one opponent to fold.  (No, we won't give further details.)  It was a case where we went against our "reputation" of tight play, and it worked to our advantage.  But going against a reputation of godliness certainly will not.


Let's conclude with a few discussion questions, open for your comments:


1.  Do big-betting players have an advantage in tournaments over tight players, because they're seen as more unpredictable -- and thus harder to read?


2.  Do you wind up with better results when you play poker outside your home area?  (Our quick count shows we've made final tables on road trips four out of five times.)


3.  What secrets do you have for "reading" opponents at a poker table, in person or online?  Is online reading really possible?