What Does Change Gears Mean in Poker?
Play poker using a change of gears strategy: Altering playing style during a poker game, such as shifting from aggressive to conservative play or vice versa, to keep opponents off balance and unpredictable.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Change Gears:
This term is often used in the context of tournaments where players need to adapt to changing table dynamics or to exploit specific opponents’ tendencies.
In-Game Example:
In a tournament, you’ve been playing tight and conservative for several orbits. Now, as the blinds increase, you start opening up your range and playing more aggressively, catching your opponents off guard.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Observe your opponents closely and adjust your play style at critical moments to exploit their weaknesses.
- Common Mistake: Changing gears too predictably, allowing observant players to read your patterns.
- Pro Tips: Use gear changes to mask your true hand strength and create opportunities to bluff effectively.
Differences playing over the table vs online:
Over the table, physical tells can be a cue to change gears, whereas online, you rely more on betting patterns and timing tells.
Alternative Names:
Mixing it up, Switching gears
FAQs:
Q: When is the best time to change gears in a tournament?
A: Ideally, when you notice your table image is set and you can exploit player tendencies.
