[JJNJustin]

I have read a lot of poker literature, and it seems to me that the majority of 2+2 writing has to do with strategy and theory. This is good, and I have found their writings enormously helpful. However, an important part of poker is playing your opponent, and I have seen limited discussion that centers around players being either tough, timid, maniac, etc. Phil Hellmuth's descriptions in his PPLTP book is similiar, although he uses animal similes. In The Psychology of Poker, the author deals with this concept in the most detail extremely well, and this post is sort of along those lines. This information wont benefit internet players, but I am primarily a B&M player, and I find it extremely useful to be able to take advantage of certain players personality traits and how I play against them.

I have three main axis that I use to gauge players, and players are usually on either end or the middle of any given axis. I usually rate players -5, 0, or +5, or somewhere in between, but I play against a -3 the same way I would a -5. Please note that these are primarily personality traits and not necessarily indicators how of good a person plays. Two players with similiar personailty traits may play poorly and well. Here are the three main traits that I see common to all players:

riggidity vs. impulsivity
confidence vs. timidness
misanthropy vs. sensitivity

1. Riggidity- players who are strong on this axis tend to play in very predictable ways. They usually play their hands the same way every time and dont bother to change their game up very much. In their mind, it isnt worth the gamble. They have very little gamble in them, and view poker as an opportunity for them make money, period. They have no interest in being a star player, fame, personal reward, etc. They are typically grinders who are very logical, organized, and altogether boring. They play the game almost without emotion. They are hard to get on tilt because they attach no meaning to the outcome of the hand. They never take a shot at bigger games unless they are trying to move up, and they never gamble just to gamble. Their actions stem from the need to wager with the best of it in order to make money, period. They get no thrill from gambling. They are content to win a bunch of small pots and content to go home a small winner everyday. They are consistent, highly disciplined, and very routine. They typically arrive at the casino the same time every morning and leave the same time every day, win or lose. They shy away from fancy plays. They shy away from playing risky cards unless they are getting long odds. They dress is very functional and they tend to blend in the crowd. They have very rigid thinking about how the game should be played for profit, and usually wont deviate. They dont try to get in their opponents heads, they usually stick to playing their own hands. Because they usually play lots of hours they are usually trying to conserve mental energy and trying to stick to long term strategies rather than dealing with each individual hand. They tend to wholy concerned with their own hand and not anyone elses. They typically regard others' actions as foolish and unnecessary. They are very frugal and cheap. Their playing credo revolves around, "I know what I have, and I dont care what you have."

Impulsive players- these players are the exact opposite of the riggid players. They have a lot of gamble in them. They are usually clever and tricky. They enjoy trying to outmanuever their opponents in a sort of war of wits. They get bored easily and may switch games. They crave action games like O8B, and love playing huge pots. If a game is too tight or passsive, they may get bored and leave. They typically over extend their bankroll in bigger games and may go broke. Their weakness for gambling and action results in bad habits like sports betting and extensive craps sessions. They often believe in luck, wear many lucky charms and jewelry, and are often well groomed as they "feel lucky" when they look their best. They typically wear more flamboyant dress, spend extra money on fashionable hair cuts, shoes, shirts, jewelry, etc. They tend to stand out rather than blend in. They love to chase big draws and take down huge pots on the river card. They play more by instinct and feel then by a set pattern. If they get a sense that you're weak, they'll be quick to steal the pot from you with no hand. If they sense you're strong, some of them can make big laydowns. They like to play "get lucky cards" such as small pairs and suited connectors and win big pots with them. They can get tricky in position and make all kind of fancy plays. They'll gladly 3-bet 33 against a probably AK, partly because they crave action, partly because they can make a good read, and partly because they dont like to waste hands, and partly because they get bored folding too much. They may constantly change seats, ask for new setups, or change tables until they get the "feeling" their looking for. Many of them are thrill seekers and will take unnecessary risks, especially in no-limit. Some of them have substance abuse problems, especially with cocaine or marijuana. They may drink while they play. They like to play the player rather than play the cards. Some of them play extremely loose, and most of them play as loose as they can get away with. They are looking to get lucky after the flop and trap their opponents for many bets. Their strategy revolves around the credo "I know what you have, and you dont know what I have."

If there is any interest in this thread, I will continue
with the other four extremes in follow up replies.

-J