I was in a $1 SnG the other night and ran into an issue that I couldn't find a way to cope with. After I had knocked a couple people out, so had somebody else so we're both sitting fairly equal in chips (about 3.5k in a 10k field with total 5 players left blinds were still fairly small 20/40 or so). The person to my left was the one I was equal with.

I learned to respect him but because he almost always had position on me, I was almost afraid of him and if he was in the pot I didn't feel comfortable betting into him. The few times I did, he would usually raise me and I usually fold. Only one time did I see him down to the river and he did have the best hand. Most of the time if I bet and he raised, everybody else would fold and so would I, giving him the pot right there.

I've never been intimidated by somebody before, but he did. I think I had an effect on him too because usually if I PF 3bb or better he would fold. Him and I ended up heads up at the end and I lost (my AJ losing to his KQ when a Q fell on the turn).

Question: Is this being intimidated, or is this just a mutual respect and even though I didn't get exact reads on him, I felt he was betting for value that I couldn't match. I FELT intimidated by him and concentrated on knocking out the easier opponents. There was no doubt in my mind that he and I were the strongest players at the table and we did chat during a break but it was still unnerving...any advice?


Trons

There is no doubt in my mind he didn't always have the best hand when he raised and made everyone fold. Here is what I would do if I'm seeing the same thing you were. I would wait for a hand where he was the raiser pre flop where you have at least a hand to call it with and see a flop. Since he has the lead and position on you whether you hit the flop or not just check it. If say 2 other players are in and they also check it that is good. Then let's assume this guy is last to act and he bets. Now raise it up! Even if these 2 other guys just fold or call it see what this guy will do now. If he folds then he didn't hit shit or doesn't have many outs. If he calls it could be just that and he doesn't want to lose face. Or he really does have something and will re raise. I figure this type of guy at this point to either fold or re raise. This is called getting information and not letting this type of player bully you around. It will at least make him think about raising you since you have shown you will play back at him thus getting more respect.

what do you forumers suggest to do if you know 1 player at the table is a lot better than you?

Originally Posted by Bobby

what do you forumers suggest to do if you know 1 player at the table is a lot better than you?

I have never had that feeling. "Better" is too relative, especially on the internet. They may be more fearless, or more aggressive but I have never felt like I have been consistantly outplayed by anyone.

But if I have a maniac at the table in a SnG, and I have a good stack, I am not going to try to do battle with him if we are already short handed, too little value in it.

When I have a big stack I need to be sure I have an edge to get all my money in on the bubble.

there is a tourny i sometimes play (i have not yet cashed in it). there are some players, not very many, who consistently win/place highly.

they seem to have better reads than anyone else that enters the tourny. and seem to generally make beter decisions. e.g. calling all in bets when they are ahead etc.

i sometimes adjust my play against them. for example i have AK on the button and raise preflop. flop is Q high, my usual play is to make a continuation bet much of the time. because i feel this player will realise i am bluffing more often than not, maybe this is not a profitable move. e.g. 1/2 pot bet does not work 1 time in 3 so should i take a free card? (this is a made up e.g. not a real hand).

would this e.g. too timid/intimidated?