Dave Nagler - Home Game Assassin

Poker fans generally love to cheer against "villains" like Phil Hellmuth and other players who make a point of telling anyone and everyone how great they are. One of the amazing talents that Hellmuth has is the ability to put players on hands. On TV you'll occasionally see broadcasts in which Hellmuth lays down nice hands pre-flop, or top pair/top kicker (or better) post flop.

Because it makes for good TV, Phil usually flips his cards up on the table to demonstrate his genius. If you're an intermediate player like most, do not let your pride influence your poker playing. If you make a big laydown, do not show the table.

This edition of the Harbourfront Poker Tour Misplay of the Week demonstrates the inherent pitfall of "demonstrating your genius" to the table by showing a big laydown.

Players in the hand - No Class, 1300 chips
Speculator 800 chips
Average stack - 1000

Blinds 25/50

No Class raises to 250 from 3rd position
Speculator re-raises all in (800)from the big blind

No Class folds - shows AQ to the table
Speculator does not show AK

A number of hands go by, one in which No Class limp re-raises another player all-in (from early position) to take down a nice pot.

Next Confrontation - No Class - 1050 chips
- Toronto Speculator - 1200 chips

Blinds 50/100

No Class raises to 350 from 3rd position
Speculator, knowing that No Class is willing to fold AQ, raises all-in
No Class folds.
Speculator doesn't show 4/7 offsuit.

The Speculator observed No Class limp re-raising with what he was confident was a premium hand. Knowing that No-class layed down AQ, and would limp-re-raise with a premium hand from early position, he is almost positive his opponent will fold again, and he is correct. Had No Class just mucked his initial AQ laydown (without showing everyone)The Speculator would not have been able to steal over one third of his chip stack with this bluff.

When you show a big laydown, you may as well put a big sign on your forehead that says "attack me". Unless you want players constantly re-raising you, do not make a habit of demonstrating your genius to the table - especially if your name isn't Phil.

Until next time,
Take it down Bigman!