changing gears in tournaments?
 

I been playing for about 3 years now,but still consider myself a beginner to the game.And this happens alot to me in tournaments and in cash games also,I'll often myself trying to change up my play in what I believe are good times to do so.But I also seem to get alot of people catching onto my play,and calling me down with bottom pair/weak kicker.Am I not doing a good job of being deceptive,or more expereinced-seasoned players see this more often than not and can spot it from a mile away.Is there something I am missing here or what.I play in B&M casinos mainly so do i need better acting lessons or something?

Re: changing gears in tournaments?
 

What game/stakes are you playing?

Re: changing gears in tournaments?
 

from $30-$50 live at local casinos

Re: changing gears in tournaments?
 

Maybe you should reconsider what you think are "good times", if you feel that you are been called down with bottom pair, then stop overplaying high cards. In fact I personally wouldn't bluff unless, I've seen obvious signs of weakness in that hand, or I have a good draw. I think you possibly are doing it too much. You may well be choosing to be aggressive in the right situations, but that's no use when you have nothing and people at your table are incapable of folding.

Re: changing gears in tournaments?
 

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from $30-$50 live at local casinos

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They are not "catching on" in a $50 live tourney.

They are probably just terrible terrible players. Don't bluff bad players, even if the bubble is near.

Re: changing gears in tournaments?
 

I doubt that other players are noticing your so-called changing gears. You may just be confusing yourself. Try a more straightforward approach and see if that works better.

Also, "changing gears" usually refers to loosing up, becoming more aggressive and gambling a bit more because the blinds are becoming large. It is not related to deceiving your opponents.

And another definition, "changing gears" can also mean that you should adjust your play depending on how the table is playing at the time. If it is tight, then loosen up and steal, if it is loose, then tighten up and value bet. Over the course of a tournament, players and tables change so playing one style might work but a change in table dynamics might necessitate a change in style. Once again, this has nothing to do with deceiveing your opponents with your varying play.

It is much more important to vary your play at a cash table where you are sitting down with the same guys for a long session.

Re: changing gears in tournaments?
 

Especially don't bluff more than one player, and try to mostly do it when you act last. You need a strongly powerful read and cajones of steel to bluff in these, and you can very easily price it so you're practically obligated to take it all the way. It can work, but rarely, so best to save it only for when you see them itchy to fold.

Re: changing gears in tournaments?
 

Against weaker opponents you want to play a very straight-forward game. They will look no further than the amount you bet and their own cards.

However, as you may already know, against a stronger opponent, your tactics will have more value to them because your opponents are thinking about the ENTIRE picture.