Please help my Rock image!

I play 4-5 times a week in a B&M casino. I play $1/$2 NL with a max $300 buy-in. Although the texture of the games differ from day to day, the games are typically a mix of 2 to 4 retired rocks, 2 to 3 loose drunks who watch too much poker on TV, and 4 to 6 solid players. I am overall a winning player, but don't get the kind of action I would like. The reason for this is my tight table image. In fact, I am weak tight at times. I see the flop around 15% of the time -- this translates into only seeing 4 to 6 flops per hour. Observant players notice this and don't give me much action when I'm in a hand. I also let go of non-winners and most of the table knows that if I'm in 'til the river I've probably got the goods -- not necessarily the nuts but a decent hand.

As long as there are 2 to 3 weak players at the table, I can isolate them and take their money. This is typically how I win. The problem is when the table is solid. I have a much more difficult time winning against good, solid players. I realize the primary reason for this is my tight table image. I do mix up my raises and will raise with suited connecters particularly in late position. I really get paid off when I hit favorable flops after these raises because it is almost impossible for the table to put me on middle cards after my raise.

The question is what else can I do to modify my table image? I really don't like to put my chips at risk on marginal hands so throwing in the occasional raise with Q4o really doesn't work for me. I can easily let go of hands when I miss the flop. So............any hints on how to loosen up my image without jeopardizing too many chips?

Maybe you could try playing more hands from on or around the button, dont go crazy, but loosen up a little with good position. You wont be in too much jeopardy because with position you'll have enough info on the other players to see whether you are in too much trouble. Of course, don't go calling any huge raises preflop with a/5 just because of position. Im not sure does anyone else think this might help him?

Also, don't forget the old adage... "you only get once chance to make a (mis-directed) first impression". Come in strong early on in the Tournament when you are in position, and bet the flop with a marginal hand. Take it to the river, if it doesn't cost you that much and show your marginal hand to the table at showdown. You may lose, but you might plant a strong first impression of being a loose player to your opponents, if they aren't familiar with you. That in turn might get you action later on. Lose a little early to earn a lot later.

Bluff more often until you get caught. If you're unwilling to take even slight risks like this, I don't think there is much you can do to convince the other players that you are.

Thanks. I think playing more hands in and around the button (particularly early on to establish that first impression) is a great idea and something I can easily do. I'll would also like to try bluffing more early on but I tend to have trouble doing that until I get a feel for the table and the players. Thanks again for the suggestions.

you're not playing poker if you're only playing aces and kings

My favorite thing to improve table image is to bet draws early. Play more suited holes...74 69 etc...on or around BB. Then if you hit the straight just play it like you hit your trips. If 4 to str8 play like a small pair and try to catch, drop it to aggression and bet small when you can without getting raised (OutSideStr8s only). No one will notice the change in the aggression later in the hand when you pour on the steam and even if they do they will be totally confused and probably call you anyway. Also, sets up great bluff opps later if you show it down and win.

Originally Posted by jmontis

you're not playing poker if you're only playing aces and kings

Oh..........that's my problem! I'm not playing poker. Thanks jmontis, very helpful.