Fake Think
What Does Fake Think Mean in Poker?
Fake Think: A deceptive strategy in poker where a player deliberately takes extra time to make a decision, giving the impression of having a difficult choice, often to mislead opponents about the strength of their hand. It’s an interesting tactic often discussed in the context of online poker strategies.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Fake Think:
This term is commonly heard when players discuss deceptive tactics or when observing a player taking unusually long to act during a hand, especially in live games.
In-Game Example:
During a high-stakes tournament, a player with the nuts on the river takes extra time to act, pretending to consider a call, before finally shoving all-in, aiming to induce a call from an opponent with a lesser hand.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Use fake think to create uncertainty in your opponents’ minds, especially when you have a strong hand you want to disguise.
- Common Mistake: Overusing fake think can make your play predictable, as opponents may start to read your timing tells.
- Pro Tips: Mix fake think with genuine pauses occasionally to keep opponents guessing. Online, use time banks strategically to mimic this effect.
Differences playing over the table vs online:
In live poker, fake think is more effective due to physical presence and timing tells. Online, it relies on digital timing, where players might use time banks to simulate hesitation.
Alternative names:
“Hollywood” or “Acting” are common slang for fake think.
FAQs:
- Q: Is fake think considered unethical in poker?
A: No, it is a recognized strategy, though it should be used sparingly to avoid slowing the game unnecessarily. - Q: Can fake think backfire?
A: Yes, if overused, opponents might catch on, or it might induce unwanted aggression.
