Why You Want to Play with Bad Players in Poker

One of the most familiar laments new players make is that if they only played against better players, they wouldn’t get sucked out on so much. Correspondingly, if they didn’t get sucked out on by bad players so much, they’d be able to make more money. This is pretty flawed thinking. And the flaw in this thinking should be fairly obvious. Bad poker players make a lot of mistakes; and mistakes in poker equal money.
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Arved Klöhn Pokerlistings Author
  • Fact Checked by: PokerListings
  • Last updated on: December 30, 2024

Your Money in Poker Comes From Bad Players

When you’re playing poker you’re hoping to make money. But where does this “money” come from?

From your opponent making mistakes – i.e. he calls too much before the flop, draws without getting the required odds, bluffs too often, etc.

These are all blunders that directly equate to more money for you.

Conversely, of course, if you screw up less often on average than your opponents, you are also going to be making money and soon become a very rich man or woman.

What’s a Fish Thinking? Who Cares?

This is another one you hear all the time. If the players are really all that good, then you really shouldn’t be able to read them anyway – but that discussion is for another day.

Although you might be able to understand a good player’s thinking with greater ease than you can read a fish’s thoughts, that really doesn’t matter.

Fish are going to make errors so often that you really don’t need to “get into their minds.” Instead, just wait for the nuts and value bet the crap out of them.

Players who just call all the time are the easiest in the world to beat

The adage is true: you can’t get blood from a stone.

When you play versus a competent opponent, things aren’t quite that easy. They are only going to put money in when they think they have an edge.

Thus, you need to read them because you need to know how they are playing against you.

The old adage is true: it’s impossible to get blood from a stone. So why would you wish to play against a bunch of stones?

Remember, the more mistakes your opponents make the more money you are going to make.

While fish may win pots in the short term with various bonehead plays, in the long run those same bonehead plays are going to be what make them losing players.

Don’t worry about the short term; yes, playing with more bad players may increase your variance. But ultimately those are the most profitable games you can play in.

Capitalizing on Weak Opponents

Spotting the Telltale Signs

Sometimes, identifying a bad player at the table is more straightforward than you’d think. They might be overcalling every street, chasing after every draw, or making bizarre bets that don’t match the board texture. Keep an eye on these behaviors early in your session. Once you notice someone who’s calling down with weak holdings, that’s your signal to shift gears and focus on extracting maximum value.

Fine-Tuning Your Tactics

When you’ve zeroed in on a weaker opponent, there’s no need to get fancy. Stay patient, avoid massive bluffs, and let them hand over chips with their loose calls. If you have a strong hand, trust it. A player who’s already demonstrated a willingness to chase often won’t fold just because you made a healthy bet. Get comfortable making larger value bets when you’re ahead—chances are, you’ll get paid off more often than not.

Preserving Your Edge

One of the biggest leaks good players make is trying to “outsmart” weaker competition. There’s a time for creative play, but when you’ve spotted a genuine fish, don’t overcomplicate your decisions. Stick to the fundamentals: bet for value, be patient, and don’t let any short-term suck-outs tilt you into bad decisions. Over the long haul, those loose calls and subpar plays by the fish will fill your pockets.

FAQ

Won’t I get sucked out on more often when playing against weaker opponents?

Possibly in the short term, yes. But in the long run, their bad calls and poor decisions work in your favor. Variance is part of poker; just keep your focus on making the right moves, and the math will reward you over time.

How can I make the most money from a calling station?

The key is straightforward value betting. When you have a strong hand, size your bets so that you’re consistently maximizing how much they’ll put in. Fancy bluffs don’t matter as much against someone who never folds.

Don’t better players make it easier to read their hands?

Even if that’s sometimes true, they also won’t hand you money with constant mistakes. A weaker opponent might be harder to predict, but they’ll leak chips in so many ways that your edges become larger overall.

Should I ever leave a table with bad players?

Not unless you have a pressing reason. Tables full of fish offer the best chance for profit. If you’re on tilt or mentally exhausted, that’s a different story—it’s better to protect your mindset than force yourself to stay.

Is it okay to adjust my style just for one fish at the table?

Absolutely. If there’s a player who’s calling every bet, you’d be missing a huge opportunity if you didn’t adapt. Shift your play to exploit their weakness and rack up those extra chips.

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