I know what you have
Original article found at: http://www.pokerpages.com/articles/archives/john-carlisle07.htm
Catching a read on an opponent is simply an amazing feeling. In a recent No Limit Hold 'Em tournament, I was seated near two players who oozed tells and had very predictable betting patterns. I was desperate to get into any pot against them that I could, knowing that I could use the information to quickly capture their chip stack. From the big blind, I called a moderate raise from predictable player "A." Even though my staring hand was nothing but two rags, I was confident that I could out-play him to win the pot no matter the ugliness of the cards I held. As the first to act, I bet-out after the flop as I focused on his reaction. He sat back in his chair in contemplation. He took another peek at his hole cards before slowly wiping his hand across his forehead. He strained with thoughts, and his eyes inadvertently darted back towards the two Hearts that hit the flop. Without hesitation, I was absolutely certain that he was pondering what to do with his flush draw. "I call," he muttered as he tossed a few of his chips toward the dealer. With his demeanor as he called the raise, I was even more certain that my read was 100% accurate.
Since I "knew" what he held in his hand, positive emotions began to run rampant beneath the surface. Having an accurate read on your opposition produces an unrivaled feeling of power. I was experiencing that rush, as I felt strong and confident. It was as if I couldn't lose. Before the next card was dealt, my mind already began to race with my next move. Even though I had no pair, no draws, and was out-of-position, I was actually trying to figure how to maximize the pot for my bluff and inevitable win!
I focused on my opponent's eyes as the turn was dealt, and I knew it was a Heart before even glancing at the felt. The sight of the card had caused player "A" to take a deep breath inward, and his eyes showed an odd sparkle as he glanced at his chips to consider his raise. I looked to the flop to confirm my suspicion and indeed saw the 2 of hearts had hit the board. When he raised after my check, my emotions had already been brought down. That feeling of superiority and power that I held before the turn was instantly replaced with disappointment and disbelief.
At this point, it is easy to assume that all players in my position would quickly throw away their hand. Knowing that your opponent holds a made flush (and you have nothing), it seems like an easy fold. In reality, it is often not very easy for many players to drop this hand. You see, the feeling of psychological power that comes with knowing your opponent's cards is infectious and can negatively affect your play! The mind begins to over-think as you attempt to scheme a possible way to win the hand. "If the board pairs-up, I can represent a full house," might pop into the brain. Basically, the mind is racing to find a way to justify staying in the hand. There is a strong motivation to stay in because you know what they have! Because that information is so precious and exciting, many players must make a conscious effort to concede the pot.
When you know what another player is holding due to a strong read, use the information wisely. If you know there is no way to move him off of the hand, get out of the way and fold. You have to believe that if you caught a solid read once against this player, you can probably do so on the next deal. Never allow the magnetism of knowing pull you into a costly situation, as your emotions may help produce a foolish bluff when you know you are sorely beaten. Play smart, not emotionally. Now go make it happen.