Becoming more aggressive

[PokerGoddessAndHSmom]

I play "free" poker in a tournament setting with 100 (plus or minus 20) several nights a week. Winner doesn't pay much; but points are accumulated for monthly, quarterly, and yearly play. (earning bigger prizes and satellites)

I have progressed, gained some playing time and skill. I am known as a "rock" and have heard more than my share of "if she's in, I'm out" comments due to my table image. I make it to the final table a couple of times a month.

I think uber conservative was a great learning style for me, and now I'm ready to vary my play and sophisticate my game a bit.

I know I could "ride on" exploiting my table image. Are there specific types of aggressive moves, situational bluffs or position plays you would reommend I start with?

I will play tonight. My points for the month are in the toilet already, so it would be a great night with no risk to experiment.

Thank you!

(PS: If you play against me, forget to read this post and don't sit at my table)

[xDiamond_CutteRx]

In your other post you mentioned Harrington on Hold'em. I would read a lot of what he says about semi-bluffs, making moves, and inflection points in Volume 2. That information alone has probably made me over $1000 in SNG tournaments, and is presented in a fashion that is very easy to learn.

[MrDarling]

To abuse your Rocky image I suggest restealing every couple of hours.

Restealing is waiting for someone loose and aggressive to make a raise, then hopefully someone weak and tight will call. You are sitting in one of the blinds (or BTN) and you make a big raise (maybe even AI if you are too short)
This should work since the loose guy doesn't need to have a big hand to raise. The weak tight doesn't have a big hand or he will reraise, so hopefully, they will both back down and you win a nice big pot.
It helps if you have a hand that can flop well (like SC or even a small pair) but if you time it correctly and recognize the right situation to do so, your cards does not matter.

Good luck

[Muck]

I would say beware. Make sure your target opponents are observant of your image before you start stealing.

I was playing in a cash game last night were I’d been drinking and was continually chatting, dumping tonnes of information. Talking about why I played hands this way and that, showing every hand before mucking it. It was idiotic, I hope to hell no one was keeping notes.

Anyway I pick up AA in the CO, 4 limpers, I raise a bit over pot (8xBB). Folds around to EP who’s short stacked and pushes for about 14-16BB. I call and he turns over A9o.

[tame_deuces]

Learn to derive pleasure from pushing/dropping/moving chips forward.

Playing aggressive poker is a drug though, you get hooked on it and before you know it, you use it too much.

[Muck]

Learn to derive pleasure from pushing/dropping/moving chips forward.

In some ways I almost like having a critical M, it makes all-in bets so much easier/fun/relaxing.

[PokerGoddessAndHSmom]

I would say beware. Make sure your target opponents are observant of your image before you start stealing.

Yes. These are people I play with frequently; at least 60% regulars who I know view me as a tight player consistently.

I did make more bold moves than I usually do. Once, on the button with 2 limpers who like to see flops, I made a substantial raise with 54s. Flop came 554. LOL. My position bet turned full house.

A couple of other times, I had decent starting hands (AK is one I remember) and had position, so I made large raises. The flop never hit, but I represented strength in betting anyway. I took down a few pots that way, with no resistence. I definitely made it further in the tournament than I would have playing only the premium cards I usually do.

I know this is *basic* aggressive poker, but it's new poker to me.

It's a new month but I think I'll continue to selectively take risks.

[MrDarling]

Eat a lot of spicy food before you start playing and try to fight with your B/F or parents. That will get some aggression in you.

btw, as you can see, even though you are considered rock, those limpers still called when you showed strength from the BTN. So do not abuse your image against players who just play their cards.