Once a player has assigned such a profile to you, he usually won't change
it unless something surprising happens. Your opponents usually won't suspect
you of changing gears because, especially at lower and middle limits, most players
aren't capable of changing gears.
Master Many Styles
Know how your opponents perceive you, and take advantage by changing gears appropriately.
For example, if you have a tight image, you'll have a higher probability
of stealing some pots. Additionally, your trickier opponents may make calculated
bluffs against you on the turn or the river; if you're out of position,
you can sometimes check with marginal holdings to induce a bluff instead of
throwing in a blocking bet.
Mastering many styles is important because you'll encounter many different
types of players. To play winning poker, you need to be comfortable playing
as many different counter strategies as possible.
Know Your Opponents' Styles
Since poker players at lower limits and middle limits usually have only one
gear, it's very tempting to succumb to first impressions if you play regularly
in these venues. However, you can't stop paying attention to your opponents
after you think you have them dialed in.
Constantly pay attention because you aren't the only tricky player in
the world. The seemingly loose gambler may become a rock. The tightest, most
passive player at the table may start taking control by tossing in numerous
raises and continuation bets.
Always respect your opponents, no matter how bad you might think they are.
Value judgments are very dangerous in poker. Keep everything objective, and
think in terms of betting patterns and tells instead of "bad" and
"good."
Adaptation Is Ultimately The Name Of The Game
Get comfortable playing many styles, and you'll be much better prepared
to take optimal advantage of all the unique circumstance you'll find yourself
in. Instead of just playing standard tight-aggressive poker, you'll start
thinking on multiple levels. Execute this thinking successfully, and your opponents
will have to forgive you for all the money you win from them.
