- Lesson: 4
The Script
Phil Gordon
April 4, 2005
In an effort to simplify my decisions, every single time it's my turn to act, I try to
run through the same script in my head:
Are my opponents playing conservatively?
Aggressively? Tentatively?
What are some of the hands my opponents are likely to hold?
What do my opponents think I have?
Once I have the answer to the first question, and feel confident about my range
of answers for the second and third questions, I move on to the most important
question:
Should I bet or raise?
If I think I have the best hand, I nearly always answer "Yes" and I bet or raise.
If I think I can force weak opponents out of the pot with this bet or with future
bets, I nearly always answer "Yes" and I bet or raise.
If I don't think betting or raising is the right decision, I move on to the last
question:
Should I check (or fold)?
If I think I have the worst hand, I nearly always answer "Yes" and I check or fold.
If I think my opponents are strong, I nearly always answer "Yes" and check or
fold.
After a careful analysis, if I'm not sure if I should raise and I'm not sure I should
fold, I feel confident that calling a bet (or checking) is correct.
I find that even in straight-forward and obvious situations, by running through
the script I often find opportunities that other players might miss.
And by asking the "raise" question before the "fold" and "call" question, I ensure
that I am playing aggressive, winning poker.
Try using this script next time you sit down at the table, and see if simplifying
your inner dialog forces your opponents into making more complicated
decisions.
Phil Gordon
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