The Poker Predictability Factor

A discernable poker pattern always gives away the player. A good strategy pattern may win a few poker game sessions, but not for long, especially when playing at a certain skill level in online poker. Other players are bound to notice and find out.

Poker is some 80 to 90 percent studying the opponent's behavior and patterns. Card combination strategy is only some 20 to 10 percent. But don't think that this knowledge is exclusive to a chosen few. Chances are, every desperate poker player out there also does an 80 to 90 percent study of the poker habits of their opponents. And if we have a habit of keeping to a certain poker pattern, we're finished.

Predictable. One of the worst mistakes a poker player can do is be predictable online or at a table. The first few sessions may be hard to predict, but when an established pattern always emerges, sharp poker players are likely to notice. As a rule, predictable poker players can't win much at poker. They lose even before they take a peek at their hand.

Through a poker playing pattern, it will be easy for other players to accurately guess one's hand---whether it is a good or a poor hand. So when they perceive a good hand, they fold. Winning does not matter much when that happens. When they perceive a poor hand, they bet, and even raise bets. One's poker profit rate per hour will not amount to anything much when this pattern emerges.

The thing is to watch one's betting patterns, and even behavioral or facial patterns. Once these patterns stick and show each poker game session, one might as well play poker with open cards. Watch that things are done on the table in different ways. Avoid habits. For instance, a good hand may always stimulate a player to turn in the chair, or suddenly become too quiet. These are habits that betray one's cards when done in a pattern.

The best counter measure against patterns is to mix patterns, interspersed with some crazy habits: bet on potential hands a certain way the first rounds and then suddenly mix the pattern with new ones. Bet with odd amounts, and then make the same pre-flop raise the next time around for, say, both 8 to 7 suited and pocket tens. Anything to confuse the enemy.

Predictability in poker is like a death sentence. No matter the strategy, it ends up in loss.