There’s a lot to be said for passive poker play. Don’t believe us? We’re going to tell you why it pays to take a back seat every once in a while.

We get that there’s a big allure attached to being the aggressive player at the table, with all the high-stakes bluffs and audacious bets that comes with it. But in that frenzy, there’s a lot ot lose.

That’s why it’s important to remember the virtues of passive poker play too. This style is often overlooked. But it’s a hidden gem, with so many advantages that can lead to consistent success. Sound good to you? Then take on a few of these tips the next time you play…

Mitigate risks

Poker is risky by it’s very nature. But one of the primary benefits of embracing passive poker play is your ability to mitigate those risks effectively. By avoiding large, reckless bets and unnecessary confrontations, passive players minimize their exposure to losses. Wait patiently for favorable hands and you can avoid undue stress and strain. Embrace level-headed playing and you can get a sense of control over your gameplay and prevent impulsive playing that could lead to disaster on the felt.

Exploit opponents

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Yes, you read that right. Passive poker play isn’t about letting your opponents get one over on you. It’s a clever strategy you can use to exploit your fellow players’ weaknesses. When you’re calm and reserved, you give them a false sense of security. Your opponents might underestimate your strength and this gives you the chance to extract more chips when you do decide to be assertive. Play passively and you can win this tactical game of cat and mouse.

Patience pays off

It simply never pays to play a hand for the sake of it. Passive players know how important it is to wait for the right moment to strike. You skip ill-advised heat of the moment decisions and instead bide your time. Make informed decisions based on calculated odds and your opponents’ actions. This means why you do play a hand, it can be much more profitable.

Control the game

When you take a backseat initially, you can sit back and observe your opponents tactics and get a better read on the table dynamics. Armed with that information, you can adapt your style and gradually seize control of the game. This change in momentum can catch your fellow players off guard, giving you a strategic advantage.

Psychological warfare

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All good poker players know the game is as much about what’s happening in the brain as what cards you’re dealt. Passive poker players excel at psychological warfare. While you have a stoic composure and a poker face that’s hard to read, more aggressive opponents might reveal their emotions through outbursts and silly bets. And you remaining calm in the storm can throw off-kilter players even further off course.

Consistent profits

While aggressive players tend to have high highs and low lows, passive poker play can lead to a more consistent flow of winnings. Playing it safe and staying in control means that you can steadily accumulate chips and build your bankroll over time. Stick to the plan and these winnings can grow.

Passive poker play online

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In the world of online poker, playing passively comes with its own unique set of advantages. In fact, the subtle art of passive poker play can be even more potent when you’re not in the room with your opponents. It helps you to mask your intentions and keep your opponents guessing. And the fact that it’s so convenient to play online means that it’s easy to practice those passive skills.

If you’re looking for the ideal online poker room to give it a whirl in, we’d recommend bet365. In fact, if you sign up today with this bonus code bet365 and you can get a really welcome offer too.

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