Friends Calling Stations

Hi,

For a year or two, I’ve been playing poker. Well, mostly I play online. For a bit I know about position and odds. I haven’t yet encountered a serious problem actually. But just recently, I’m starting to be bothered by a serious problem that has something to do with my friends who are starting to be serious in calling stations. I tried to apply my online style but it didn’t work.

In one of our games, I had ace queen in mid position and raised four times the big blind. Suddenly, all four players behind me called. Well, somehow, I know I should have just tighten up and wait for premium hands, but I don’t know why, I feel uncertain.

Any advice or suggestion?

Thank you.

Brent

Brent,

It sounds like your friends are beginning to grasp at straw to find a way to beat you and are beginning to take a lottery style approach.

They are all getting in the pot and hoping one hits. You best options are either to tighten up and punish them with good hands, or maybe play more of a smallball approach to poker. See a lot of flops with them cheaply and crush them when you get connect with fortunate flops.