In numerous previous articles I’ve covered in detail my dislike of poker bullies at both the live and online tables. For the most part these bullies exist with the primary goal of belittling other players, criticising their play, and being generally obnoxious as the session progresses. Some believe that being a jerk like this offers advantages, as it can put opponents on tilt and affect their strategies, but I believe that it is a direct violation of common sportsmanship, which unfortunately poker as a whole doesn’t enforce nearly as much as it should. That being said, there is another type of poker bully classification, one that revolves around putting constant pressure on players, which is actually a common and often successful tactic.
What is a Poker Bully?
A poker bully in the strategic sense is a player that never backs down from consistently applying noticeable weight to hands. They’ll raise the same players constantly and in the same position/scenarios, leaving opponents struggling to adapt and overcome. This method does not involve being verbally or physically aggressive the way a traditional bully would be, which is why it typically isn’t looked down upon in the poker community.
There is a difference between being an aggressive player and being a strategic bully. Aggressive players attack a lot of pots, but they normally don’t frequently target the same player again and again. Being a poker bully works best when you’ve identified the weakest opponents at the table, as they will be the most susceptible to your techniques. This plan can backfire against strong players, who will take offence at being pressured all the time and will then focus on taking you down.
Just remember though, you may still receive some negative feedback, remarks or comments from players that you pick on during a match, just don’t let the situation evolve into a true bullying scenario where both parties are now slinging insults across the table.
Chris
- Chris Laquinta is a magazine editor, content specialist and poker fanatic with 10+ years writing experience and over 1,500 published articles. Chris is a naitive of Southern California, where he spent his entire life learning gaming concepts and theories from relatives that had been former professional gamblers. He currently resides in Torrance, CA where he works as a professional content writer and part-time SNG professional.
