When I watch Phil Hellmuth in interviews, he seems like a decent guy and I start to like him.  When I watch Phil Hellmuth at the poker tables, I can’t stand him.  Why is there such a large gap between Phil Hellmuth, the person, and Phil Hellmuth, the poker player?
I was watching ESPN 2008 WSOP coverage last night and it exemplified the two sides of Hellmuth. On one hand, they’re interviewing him and he sounds like a decent guy talking poker among his interests. On the other, he’s in a hand and trying to belittle someone every time …read more

I received a comment on my table image post which brings up a very good point I want to address. First the question:
Very well said… but my problem is a little bit different. I mean I can understand what you said in this article because it is very logical but I have another question.
Of course it`s easier for somebody who isn’t at the table to read the players than for those who are playing, what I would like to know is how to control myself because many of the things you said are subconsciously made. Now, I’m aware that …read more

Whether you are green or experienced in poker, it is a good idea to assess your poker image at the table and see if just the way about you is giving off tells. I can tell you from experience that a person’s general demeanor and personality are very important to how I formulate their table image and definitely influence my play at the table. Just about everyone – whether consciously or subconsciously – has their decisions against you influenced by your table image.
The different images people give off are somewhat common sensical. Friendly people usually don’t play …read more

I talked a little bit this week or last week about how maintaining a tight table image can end up win you pots with right timed bets. Here’s about the ultimate example of that, where Todd Brunson, after playing super tight, gets Negreanu to make a really huge fold and give away a nice sized pot simply because Todd on High Stakes is known to hardly ever mess around.
I still think he got pretty lucky on this hand that Negreanu was able to give him credit for such a hand, but that also plays into the effect that in order …read more

Most of the time in poker, no one makes a hand. Even when they do make a hand, such as top pair, a significant bet can put most players in the fear (that is, if they are capable of acknowledging that their paired King with a Jack kicker can be crushed by such a wide range, which a surprising # of players aren’t, especially online).
That’s why so often ‘representing’ a hand can win pots, as long as you don’t try it enough to become obvious. A strong table image with well-timed raises in the right spots will get you respect, …read more

Another player profile on moneypokerbonus.com, this time of Juanda, with thoughts on playing table image and trapping:
JOHN JUANDA