If there is one criticism that skilled poker players often have of less skilled rivals, it is that they are far too predictable. Although poker is certainly a game of calculated odds and risk, there is also an element of skill and nuance to it; this means that a player can simply not afford to make themselves ‘that player’ who is always calling, folding or seeing – that is not to say that players should aim to do the exact reverse of what would typically be considered the smartest move in a particular situation; however, it is imperative that actions do not become too ‘robotic’ and stagnant during a game.

Luckily, this criticism of repetitive playing styles only truly stands up at higher stakes games with skilled players; in low stakes games with novice players, the best thing that a player can do it play a solid game based on pot/hand odds. After all, there is no point trying to bluff a player who has no idea what is happening in the first place…

Following predictable playing patterns only works at low level games...