Playing Down to the Level of the Table

[BlibbityBlabbity]

When I said "I would have won with 2 pair" I didn't mean I should have played it through, just that in that situation you at least want to see someone win with the straight or the flush, or even Aces over something, BUT NOT A PAIR!!!

I agree you CAN NOT chase in these situations or you will find yourself on serios tilt when they get better results from their chasing (like you said losing to A9).

Edit: Do you mean chasing it as far as I did, or that I shouldn't have chased it any farther. You are probably right in either case. If you think I should have folded on the flop, what situations might I stay in the hand in your opinion? Only with a open ended straight draw, flush draw, or two low pair? Obviously, top pair (with good kicker) and better I would play back into him.

[Defendant]

If by "going down to their level" you mean "play loose, play any 2 cards", then DEFINITELY no. As said before, stick with tight play.

There is however one element you need to consider lowering to their level: You just simply cannot count on most of these people to fall for your bluffs and clever plays: Even if you read someone completely correct...90% of low-limit online fishes are unbluffable.

That to me was the hardest lesson to learn.

Defendant

[hackers238]

I also don't think its an issue of "lowering" your level, just adapting your playing style to the situation, which is the real nitty-gritty of poker.

If you think you need to lower yourself to the table because they're beating you when your playing your "top-game", then your top game isnt very good, is it?

[SoCalBoss]

Well, I suppose every site with a message board has it's share of smartasses (or is it smartassi?). It appears everyone else understood the basis of the question...

[junYUN]

i would say playing down is never a good idea. a strong player will dictate the table, not let the table dictate him. (very philisophical, eh?)

[hackers238]

smartassi. And my comment was just an observation. And I will only say this once: I am not going to retaliate against negativity. It's a waste of TPs money to see us arguing amonst ourselves by posting.

[Kidd7138]

I think the point that Hackers was trying to make was that your "top game" shouldn't be one set style. Your top game should involve adapting to your environment and be able to make smart decisions against all types of players. You shouldn't have to change your game, just make the adaptations that you're capable of making according to the table.