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Most of your opponents will treat you differently when you’re winning than when you’re losing. That’s because they’re conscious of luck and fear you more when you’re “running lucky.”
When this happens — when opposing players are influenced by your short-term luck — everything is as it should be in the universe, and your opponents are easier to control. When you’re winning, you can bet marginal hands for value that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. Opponents are intimidated by your good luck and less likely to take full advantage of superior hands. So, you don’t get punished as severely and, thus, can bet aggressively.
But if you’re losing, you should be aware that these same opponents will be inspired by your losses and will raise aggressively or play deceptively. That’s the time to tone down your value betting.
Docile and well behaved
It’s true. When you’re winning, your foes are apt to be docile and well behaved, and this allows you to press every hand for maximum value without fearing that they’ll take maximum advantage of their good hands, too.
But, wait!
What’s the best way to adjust, depending on whether you’re running good or bad? Simple. Most of your decisions in poker will be “borderline,” meaning that the decisions aren’t especially clear.
Do this: When you’re conspicuously winning and faced with a borderline decision between checking and betting, bet… and between calling and raising, raise.
But when you’re conspicuously losing and faced with a borderline decision between checking and betting, check… and between calling and raising, call.
These adjustments work like magic, and they’re pure profit. — MC