Poker Strategies
After receiving pocket cards, you are immediately faced with a choice: play your cards and either raise or call the blinds, or fold.
Practice Matters
NPR (ISO) –
NPR (ISO) – These opponents will occasionally switch up their game and incorporate some non premium hands in profitable situations for them. For example they’ll raise a hand like Q9s with the button after a couple of limpers. They may also raise some connected cards in early position, or occasionally re-raise almost any hand from the blinds. They'll also expand their squeezing range in profitable spots. Just make note and be aware that you have an opponent that’s capable of making such a play. Most of these opponents will be somewhat knowledgeable regulars in your games. If you spot them, then make sure to 3-bet when it's obvious they are isolating light, or call their squeezes with a wider range when you have position. Basically they offer the opportunity to re-steal lighter if you're paying attention.
With any kind of NPR
With any kind of NPR the first thing to do is just make a note that you saw them raise a non-premium hand. The second identification stage will be to see if they are smart (an ISO), not so smart (a fish), or just plain crazy (maniac). The maniac will be noticeable pretty quickly. The other two will be a bit more subtle, so you’ll really have to analyze the situation and decide if the raise made sense considering the circumstance.