Angle shooting in poker is the act of deceiving your opponent to gain an unfair advantage over them. It is generally considered unethical and can lead to a bad reputation for the offending player. While it is not technically cheating, repeat offenders are likely to be penalised in one way or another. In this article, we will discuss some of the common types of angle shoots in poker and why they are a bad idea.
Action-Based Angle Shots
One of the most common types of angle shoots in poker involves hiding large denomination chips in a stack of smaller ones. This is often done to mislead your opponents as to the size of your bet. While it may not be illegal to do this in casual games, it is definitely against the rules of a tournament and can cause you to lose respect from other players at your table.
A player can also commit an angle shoot by verbally declaring a hand that they do not actually have. This is often done to confuse other players and can have a serious impact on their decision making process. For example, if an inexperienced player declares “flush!” or “straight” at the turn of the river, this can cause them to make mistakes that they would not have made if they had not made this announcement.
Another type of action-based angle shot is when a player acts out of turn to gain information. This can be done in a number of ways, but the main purpose is to see how your opponent reacts to their move. For example, if a player acts out of turn to bet but does not have a strong hand, they will hope that you check to them so that they can bet to collect the pot.
Lastly, players can use the chat box to give misinformation to other players. This is often seen in online poker but can also be used in live games. For example, if a player says in the chat box that they are all-in before acting, it can encourage other players to raise their hands as well.
While angle shots are bound to happen in poker from time to time, it is important to avoid them at all costs. If you notice other players using them at your table, be sure to bring this to the attention of the floor staff or dealers as it can be incredibly frustrating for the rest of the players in the room. In the end, you will gain more respect from other players if you play honestly and openly at your table.