Marion

Playing Against a Calling Station

Marion, RFC Coach

In this article, I would like to discuss how you play against an unsophisticated player (CS) who plays the cards and not his/her opponents.  First, you have to identify the targeted player. He will rarely raise pre-flop even with big hands. He will open call with a wide range of hands to the the flop.  If the CS does raise pre-flop, it will usually be with AA, KK, QQ and AK.  So, you will be able to put him on a very narrow range of hands.  You should be very selective in continuing with your hand after the CS raises, unless you have good pot odds to attempt to draw out.  When the CS has a medium strength hand he will call most any bet because he fears being bluffed.  If you make a continuation bet and get called, you should shut down on the turn and river unless your hand significantly improves.  Whether you have position or not and a one pair hand you'll be better off checking because the CS will not fold a weak two pair and might raise if he has two pair or better and position on the river. Hands he would call you down with and improved on the last round will give him a chance to make that rare raise with.  If a CS bets or raises on the river, you can usually fold your one pair hands.  If you have an excellent hand top two pair or better you can value bet and get paid off by the CS with a medium strength hand.  If the board flushes or straightens on the river, you would be better off checking and/or folding to a bet from the CS.