There is a term in the poker world
which is a "donk" or "donkey" and as you can understand
already this is not a compliment. What does this mean and how do you play
against these types of players? Let's figure this out…
A donkey is a player who has no idea
what true poker is and he is a player that relies on luck, and as we know poker
is a game of skill and luck is not the main element here. You may think to
yourself that these are the players you want sitting around your poker table to
win all their money but this is exactly where you're wrong.
A donkey player has no understanding
of poker plays and that means you cannot bluff him. He won't understand what a
check-raise is, what is a position play or what is a position to begin with. He
can enter per-flop with a 6-10 just because they were suited and he doesn't
care if there was a raise or not so you cannot put him on cards, who knows what
he's holding.
Yes, a donkey player plays horrible
poker, so much that he is willing to chase cards for large amount and he won't
back off his pair because he think maybe he'll catch his trips or two pair,
having no idea what pot odds are or how many percentages he's got to make his
hand better.
So how do you play against these
types of players?
1. Study them at first - There
are situations or raises that they will fold their hands, after all they don't
want to lose all their money no matter how much lucky they think they are.
2. Play tight - Play
tight-aggressive poke against them, don't let them buy cards for free and put
the pressure on them making them feel they should throw away their hands all
along knowing you already have the best hand.
3. Don't bluff - Yes, I can't
believe I'm saying this but there is absolutely no reason to bluff these players
because if they decide to run with you with their single pair and you have
nothing, you'll lose too much and that takes us to point number 2 which is to
play tight and have the best hand against them.
4. Stay cool–It can be very
frustrating to lose to a player who has no idea how to play poker, but you have
to stay cool and calm to maintain your game because getting on tilt will only
make you feel worse and make mistakes.
We here at www.viewonpoker.com believe that if you play by these tips you will win against these types
of players as well. It's ironic to think about it but it's true that playing
against an opponent who understands the game and even pros is better and
"easier" than playing donks because they understand your moves,
bluffs and power poker.
For more great poker strategy articles, poker video, learning how to play from the pros
themselves and everything you need to know in order to win around the poker
table, simply click here and you're seconds away from
becoming a better player than you are now.
I would have wished you good luck but
we all know that poker is a game of skill that just involves luck. If only the
donkeys knew that, right?
Take care.
