Never Bluff Old Men in Hats
The most expensive lesson at $1/$2
“You can’t bluff someone who isn’t thinking about folding.”
If you’ve spent any time grinding low stakes live poker, you’ve probably already met him. He’s in Seat 6, wearing a baseball cap or maybe a worn-in fedora. He’s been playing here for years — quietly stacking chips, not saying much, and definitely not folding top pair. Ever.
This is your reminder: don’t bluff the Old Man in the Hat.
The Tactic
Some players are simply incapable of folding top pair. Not because they’re bad — but because they’ve made up their minds long before you even bet.
You’ll spot them by:
- The way they stack their chips (neatly, obsessively)
- Their breathing (steady, unconcerned)
- Their table talk (“I knew you didn’t have it” — as they call you down with second pair)
These players are bluff proof. No scare card, triple barrel, or soul read will get them off their hand. Trying to bluff them is like trying to convince a brick wall to fold.
So, don’t.
Instead:
- Value bet relentlessly — get three streets with your good hands.
- Let them be the ones overplaying bottom pair or ace-rag.
- You make money not by outplaying them… but by letting them overplay themselves.
Why This Matters
Bluffing is sexy. Value betting is profitable.
At $1/$2, too many players make the mistake of trying to run “high-level” bluffs against players who aren’t even on the same level — or worse, aren’t even thinking about the game in the same way.
Old Men in Hats often play a simple style: they like their hand, and they want to see if it’s good. That’s it. If they like it, they’re calling. So give them plenty of opportunities to make that mistake — and get paid every time.
Save This One — It’ll Save Your Bankroll
Next time you’re tempted to bluff that guy in the hat… don’t. Just check your ego, bet your value, and let the game come to you.
#FishAndChipsPoker #LivePokerGrind #PokerMindset
Play. Share. Stack Steady.
