What is Angle Shooting in Poker

Introduction

Deception is an integral part of poker strategy. However, a fine line exists between legitimate bluffing and unethical tactics known as angle shooting. While not strictly ‘illegal,’ angle shooting is widely frowned upon and can create tension and mistrust among players.

This article will explore the various forms of angle shooting and how you can protect yourself against these tactics at the Poker table.

What is Angle Shooting in Poker?

Angle shooting is using deceitful actions to gain an advantage over opponents. Angle shooters often exploit loopholes or ambiguities in poker etiquette. It is primarily a form of unethical play and is discouraged in both live and online poker rooms.

Common Types of Angle Shooting in Poker

Fake Action or ‘False Bet’

One of the most common angle shooting techniques is making a false bet by pushing chips forward, pretending to bet, but then pulling them back. This tactic aims to provoke a reaction from opponents, especially when they think you are committing to the pot. Often, an opponent might fold or hesitate, giving away their hand's strength.

Example: A player pushes forward a large stack of chips, making it look like a bet. When the opponent hesitates, they retract their chips and decide not to bet, gaining insight into the opponent’s hand strength.

Verbal Misdirection

Some angle shooters use misleading verbal statements to manipulate other players. They might declare ‘I fold’ or ‘call’ in a way that confuses opponents, then attempt to retract their statement and change their action after gauging their opponent’s reaction.

Example: In a close hand, a player might declare ‘I call’ quietly enough that it’s barely heard, making the opponent assume they are calling. The angle shooter can then deny the call, hoping the confusion leads the opponent to reveal information about their hand.

Chip Concealment

Angle shooters sometimes hide large denomination chips behind smaller stacks to make it seem like they have a shorter stack than they actually do. This deception can lure opponents into aggressive actions based on the assumption that they’re putting a shorter-stacked player all in.

Example: A player keeps a large chip hidden behind smaller stacks. An opponent bets heavily, believing the angle shooter has fewer chips, only to discover the hidden chips and realize the player is not all-in.

Out-of-turn betting

Betting out of turn is another common angle shooting tactic. When players act out of turn, they hope to influence the actions of other players who haven’t made their decisions. This is often used to assess the other players' strengths or weaknesses before their own action is binding.

Example: A player with a strong hand pretends to act prematurely by saying ‘raise’ out of turn. This might intimidate weaker hands into folding before the player makes their bet.

String Betting

A string bet is when a player places chips in the pot in a series of movements without declaring the full amount upfront. By string betting, angle shooters attempt to see if opponents react before completing their action.

Example: A player puts a few chips in the pot and pauses to gauge reactions, only to add more chips afterwards. This tactic is frowned upon because poker rules typically require a single, clear motion for a bet.

Examples of Angle Shooting

Several high-profile examples of angle shooting have sparked controversy in televised Poker tournaments:

Mike Matusow’s ‘Misunderstood Fold’

During a tournament, Mike Matusow angled by making a folding motion. He didn’t technically fold his cards, but his subtle action suggested it. His opponent folded in response, giving Matusow the pot. This sparked debate on whether his actions were intentionally misleading or a harmless misunderstanding.

Tony G's ‘Verbal Misdirection’

Known for his intimidating table presence, Tony G once verbally misled his opponents by suggesting he would fold, only to call with a strong hand. His antics have always crossed the line between angle shooting and table banter.

How to Defend Against Angle Shooting

Angle shooting can be infuriating and can throw players off their game. Here are some tips for protecting yourself from these tactics:

Observe Carefully

Angle shooters rely on opponents being inattentive. Pay attention to everything happening at the table—actions, words, chip movements, and betting behaviours. Staying alert reduces the chance of being caught off-guard by angle shots.

Clarify Actions

If an opponent’s action is unclear, don’t be afraid to ask the dealer for clarification. For example, ask the dealer to confirm if you are unsure whether a player declared a call or folded. This step prevents you from acting prematurely based on misleading cues.

Stick to the Rules

Knowing the rules of Poker can prevent you from falling into angle shooters' traps. Familiarize yourself with common betting protocols, such as handling string bets and what qualifies as an official bet or raise.

Control Your Reactions

One goal of angle shooters is to provoke a reaction. When faced with ambiguous actions, keep your reactions neutral to avoid giving away information. Avoid making impulsive decisions until the other player’s action is confirmed.

Alert the Dealer

If you notice repeated angle shooting behaviour, politely notify the dealer. Dealers are trained to recognize angle shooting tactics and can enforce the rules more strictly to prevent it.

Angle Shooting in Online Poker

Angle shooting is not limited to live games—it happens online, too. Here’s how it typically happens in online play:

‘Disconnect Protection’ Abuse: Some players use the disconnect protection feature, automatically checking their hands if they disconnect. Players force a check by intentionally disconnecting, which can be a tactic if they hold a weaker hand.

Slow Playing: While not a form of angle shooting per se, some players may deliberately slow down the game to frustrate opponents or to manipulate their mental state.

Most online poker rooms have anti-cheating software and guidelines to address these behaviours, but it is still essential to be vigilant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is angle shooting in Poker?

Angle shooting involves employing cunning or unethical strategies to influence an opponent's choices without violating the game's rules. Although not explicitly illegal, this practice includes bending regulations to secure an unfair advantage by giving misleading verbal hints or placing fake bets.

How do you protect yourself from angle shooting?

To shield yourself from angle shooting, remain attentive to each player's moves, seek clarification if any action is ambiguous, and refrain from hasty responses. Understanding the rules and maintaining a calm and impartial attitude will help prevent manipulation by deceptive strategies.

What is the difference between angle shooting and bluffing?

Bluffing is a tactic where you deliberately deceive your opponent about the strength of your hand using specific betting patterns or actions. In contrast, angle shooting involves manipulating rules unethically or engaging in questionable conduct to mislead opponents, often pushing beyond the boundaries of fair play.

Conclusion

While angle shooting may offer short-term gains for some players, it undermines the integrity of the game and the spirit of fair competition. In Poker, skill and strategy lead to success, not the manipulation of unclear actions or exploiting loopholes. By being aware of angle shooting techniques and practising ethical play, you contribute to a more respectful and challenging poker environment for everyone at the table.