Angle shooting in poker is a practice that involves players using deceitful tactics to gain an advantage over their opponents without technically breaking the rules. It is generally frowned upon in the poker community as it creates a toxic environment and can lead to unpleasant situations. In this article, we will discuss some common angle shoots in poker and how to protect yourself at the tables.

Common Angle Shoots in Poker

One of the most common angle shoots in live cash games is “going south,” where a player secretly removes chips from the table after winning a big pot. This is frowned upon because all chips at the table should be in play at all times. Another common practice is hiding big denomination chips behind lower-value stacks to deceive opponents into thinking they have fewer chips than they actually do.

The “pump fake” is another move where a player picks up a stack of chips and pretends to bet or raise, trying to gauge their opponent’s reaction. Mis-declaring a hand at a showdown is another angle shoot where a player announces a stronger hand than they actually have to get their opponent to fold. Finally, “string betting” is when a player puts chips into the pot in multiple motions, trying to see how their opponent reacts before committing to a bet.

Protecting Yourself from Angle Shooting

It is essential to protect yourself from angle shooting by paying close attention to the game and the actions of other players. If you suspect someone of angle shooting, you can bring it to the attention of the floor or the dealer. Remember, poker is a game of people, and poor poker etiquette for the sake of gaining an edge will not win any popularity points.

To protect yourself from angle shooting in poker, it’s important to be aware of these tactics and take steps to prevent them from gaining an advantage over you. Keep your cards close and don’t trust anyone unless you know them well. By being vigilant and taking matters into your own hands, you can protect yourself from angle shooting and enjoy a fair game of poker.

Misrepresenting a Hand at Showdown

One common angle shooting tactic is misrepresenting a hand at a showdown. This can be done by lying about the strength of their hand or misdeclaring their hand altogether. To protect yourself, never release your hand until all cards are face up. If you’re first to show, table your hand unless you’re certain you can’t win. Don’t believe what anyone tells you unless it’s someone you trust.

Acting Out of Turn

Another tactic is acting out of turn. This is when a player bets, and while you’re considering your options, another player announces a call or a raise. This is intended to confuse you into making a wrong decision. However, verbal actions are binding in most poker rooms, so if someone acts out of turn and declares a raise, you can just call and force them to raise when the action comes back to them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, angle shooting in poker is a common occurrence that players should be aware of. It involves players using deceitful tactics to gain an advantage over their opponents. To protect yourself from these tactics, it’s important to be vigilant and take matters into your own hands.

One common angle shooting tactic is misrepresenting a hand at a showdown. This can be done by lying about the strength of their hand or misdeclaring their hand altogether. To protect yourself, never release your hand until all cards are face up. If you’re first to show, table your hand unless you’re certain you can’t win. Don’t believe what anyone tells you unless it’s someone you trust.

Another tactic is acting out of turn. This is when a player bets, and while you’re considering your options, another player announces a call or a raise. This is intended to confuse you into making a wrong decision. However, verbal actions are binding in most poker rooms, so if someone acts out of turn and declares a raise, you can just call and force them to raise when the action comes back to them.

To protect yourself from angle shooters, it’s important to be aware of these tactics and take steps to prevent them from gaining an advantage over you. Keep your cards close and don’t trust anyone unless you know them well. By being vigilant and taking matters into your own hands, you can protect yourself from angle shooting and enjoy a fair game of poker.