Creating an Edge For Yourself: Why Backwards Players Aren’t Effective Against Good Players

          Most card players are familiar with the count card system in blackjack.  The reason this system is effective, when used properly, is because the player increases the size of his bet when his chances of winning are greater.  To create an edge in poker you must apply the same methodology, although you can’t quite be as straightforward, as you will be easy to read and players will not pay you off. If you fall into a pattern of betting small when you have a monster and big when you are on a draw or have a medium strong hand then you are putting yourself at a disadvantage for two reasons; 1) The pots you play in with your big hands are smaller than the pots your opponents are playing in with their big hands and 2) To the attentive player; your backwards-playing style will be easy to read.  Imagine two basketball players were shooting three pointers for money.  Player A is a 50% three-point shooter from all over the court, while Player B is 30% from the right and 30% from the center, but shoots 70% from the left.  If they rotated positions, shooting from the right, center, and left, alternately, Player A would seemingly have an advantage in the long run.  Now, assuming he knows how good he is from the left, suppose Player B raised the stakes on every shot he took from the left.  Now his weakness in both the other areas of the court is offset and overcome by his strong side.  He has created an edge for himself. 

BIG pots are for BIG hands. A seemingly simple concept but it seems to be ignored by so many players who seem to believe deception is more important than maximizing their profit.