Poker Articles

Curosity Killed the Cash
By Mike Paulle

There are few poker 'tips' more overrated than looking for 'tells.' Most players in the low level games we play in are so confused by their hands, half the signals you pick up are directly opposite to the other half you spot. And the players we play with are incapable of pulling off a 'reverse tell.'

Assuming you pick up a tell and read it properly, you are STILL just as likely to react to the wrong signal as the right one. (See my 'Dumb and Dumber' article for an example)

There is one foolproof tell, however, that is pure gold. You can be sure if you hear someone say the following after everyone's mucked their hand, you have found such a FISH you could sell them in a fish market.

"Dealer, can I see the next card?"

Trust me, there is almost zero chance of these words coming out of a good player's mouth. Equally, a good player would be too embarrassed to use this line as a reverse tell.

Asking to see a card that wouldn't be in play is called 'rabbit hunting.' It's frowned on in all games and not allowed at all in tournament play. You can be very sure, if you hear these words at your table, you can cancel that bank loan you've been asking for. Someone's going to be making your car payments for you.

Why is 'rabbit hunting' such a strong tell? It marks the 'chaser,' someone who can't stand the thought that his card may be coming up next. The chaser thinks that if he could just pay for ONE MORE CARD, he could win the hand. That's why when everyone folds; the chaser has to ask the dealer what the next card would have been.

The curiosity that is driving the chaser insane will inevitably kill his cash. In most hands, the chaser WILL pay for that extra card. That extra bet in each hand is equal to your profit for the night.

Although rabbit hunting marks the chaser as the biggest fish in the pond, this fish can turn into a shark if his cards are coming. When the chaser is catching cards, he can wipe out an entire table. So you want him in the game because he will pay off your superior hands, but you MUST stay away from him when he gets hot. The chaser can go on bull rushes that can last for some time.

Since you are now aware of the chaser because of his verbal tell, you will know when to hold'em and when to fold'em against him.

Inevitably the chaser will get busted. He's in every hand with marginal cards, and he's always on a DRAW. He needs another card to make his backdoor flush or gut-shot straight. You have to know that there will be times when his cards will come. On those occasions you are doomed to lose big pots.

When the chaser runs you down, don't berate him for his poor play. Rap on the table and say. 'nice hand.' Even smile through your gritted teeth and give him an approving nod.

For you know something the chaser doesn't. His curiosity will kill his cash and stuff it in your pocket.

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