Learn Texas Holdem

Although in most cases the rules in Texas hold'em are fairly clear, there will always be someone who tries to skirt them. Players who try to bend the rules of Texas hold'em to their advantage are called angle shooters. They hope that they can win or save a few extra bets by performing actions that are not technically a rules violation, but are in reality quite inappropriate.

Angle Shooting Techniques: Acting Out of Turn

This is one of the most popular methods of angle shooting. The shooter acts out of turn in a way that is counter to what he will really do, knowing the act is not binding. For example, with three people to act before him, the shooter throws in a bet. The dealer instructs him that he cannot act out of turn and takes his bet back. An early position player who was about to bet now checks, hoping for the opportunity to check-raise. The angle shooter, who never intended to bet, now checks and gets to see a free card.

More Angle Shooting Techniques: Chips in the Hand

Another popular angle shoot is to come out to bet with a handful of chips. If players to act after the angle shooter look excited, the shooter drops a single chip or two from the handful and pulls his bet back. If the late players look concerned, the shooter drops down a big bet.

What Can Be Done About Angle Shooting

In most cases players can do little more than hit the angle shooter with a nasty look. The best defense is to be aware when such a player is at the table and not to take anything you think he might be doing for granted. If you act after him, make sure the player has clearly signaled his action before acting yourself.