Poker is a game of skill, strategy, and psychology. One of the most notorious tactics used by some players is called "angle shooting." This type of deception involves using trickery to gain an unfair advantage over others at the table.

What is Angle Shooting in Poker?

Angle shooting occurs when a player uses an unfair method to win a hand. This can range from poor etiquette to outright cheating. The goal of angle shooting is often to deceive opponents into making a mistake or to manipulate their perception of your playing style.

One common example of angle shooting is the "fake bet." In this scenario, a player pretends to bet before actually doing so. This can be done to observe an opponent's reaction or to make them think you have a stronger hand than you actually do.

Types of Angle Shooting

There are several types of angle shooting that players use to gain an unfair advantage. Some common examples include:

• Fake folding: Pretending to fold when, in reality, you still have a strong hand.
• Ambiguous check: Making it ambiguous whether you're checking or betting, causing opponents to hesitate and make mistakes.
• False raise: Raising the stakes without actually having the cards to back it up.
• String bets: Placing multiple small bets to appear weak and gain an advantage.

The Consequences of Angle Shooting

Angle shooting is considered a form of deception and can be seen as cheating. It's important to remember that poker is a game built on trust, and angle shooting can damage relationships with fellow players.

In some cases, angle shooting can even result in penalties or fines from the casino or tournament organizers. The most severe consequences occur when an angle shooter tries to manipulate the outcome of the game by using false information or misleading opponents.

Dealing with Angle Shooting

If you suspect that someone is angle shooting at your table, there are a few steps you can take:

• Confront the player: Sometimes, players will apologize and stop angle shooting if confronted.
• Report the issue to the dealer: If the behavior continues, report it to the dealer or floor manager.
• Avoid playing with angle shooters: If someone is consistently using angle shooting tactics, it's best to avoid playing with them in the future.

Angle Shooting in Online Poker

While angle shooting can occur online, it's less common than at brick-and-mortar casinos. This is because online poker rooms have implemented measures to prevent unfair play and maintain a level of transparency.

However, some players may still try to use underhanded tactics like giving false information or abusing disconnect protection policies.

Angle shooting is a form of deception that can harm relationships with fellow players and damage the integrity of the game. As poker enthusiasts, it's essential to be aware of angle shooting tactics and take steps to prevent them from occurring at our tables.

By understanding what angle shooting is and how to deal with it, we can create a more positive and respectful environment for everyone involved in the game.

References

• "Angle Shooting: The Dark Side of Poker" by CardPlayer
• "The Art of Angle Shooting" by PokerNews