Have you ever thought about the table image that you want to portray? Do you want to be seen as a tight player who isn’t capable of bluffing? Or would you prefer others perceived you as a loose aggressive type who always bets but never has it?

When it comes down to it, table image isn’t really something you aim to portray in a particular way. It’s just something that you should be aware of and willing to adapt to.

What is table image?

Before we talk about different types of table image, first let’s establish what table image means. What we’re referring to here is the way in which other players see you.

This has nothing to do with your actual skill level or even the truth about how you play. It’s usually based on your recent actions.

If players see you raise several hands in a row, they will likely assume you are being aggressive even if you happened to wake up with a monster each time. Likewise, if you haven’t played a hand in a couple of orbits due to being completely card dead, opponents will see you as tight.

At any given table, some players are paying more attention than others. So your image will only apply to those who are watching closely and adapting their strategy.

Why you can’t choose your table image

There are lots of factors to consider when playing a poker hand. You’ll be weighing up your hand strength, position, stack sizes, betting action and table dynamics. All before entering a pot or making decisions.

It’s a given that if you have a loose style, you’re more likely to have that image. Same if you tend to stick to strong cards and play tight. In that respect, your image will often reflect your overall approach.

Beyond that, you won’t be looking to control your table image by deliberately playing tighter or looser. You’ll just be playing the situation in front of you and making the best decision possible.

Your table image will develop naturally from the actions that you take. A combination of your skill, approach to the game, and the spots that you are dealt.

Controlling table image

Having said that, there are a few ways that you can control your table image if you wish to do so. None of them have to do with changing the way you play the cards. They are more to do with how you present yourself, as well as whether you show any bluffs.

When they lack any solid reads, players will often stereotype others at the table. The older guy who plays tight. The loose online reg with hoody and shades. The young GTO wizard. All without any evidence to support the assumptions. In a live game, be aware of how others may see you.

Loud and obnoxious behaviour can be a sign of a loose player. While being quiet and keeping to yourself may earn you the label of tight – rightly or wrongly.

When it comes to the cards, showing bluffs is a surefire way to get yourself the label of loose and aggressive. This can be used to your advantage to put a player on tilt or set yourself up for a payday with a real hand.

However, this involves giving away information about how you played the hand. It’s rarely worth revealing such valuable insights in a needless quest to control your table image.

Generally speaking, table image is not something you want to portray. It is something to be aware of and adapt to.

Adapting to your table image

Instead of worrying about the table image that you want to portray, become aware of how other players are perceiving your recent actions.

Table image is a complex subject. Experienced players will take very specific reads on how you play certain situations. Generally, though, your table image will be either tight or loose.

Tight table image

If you haven’t played many hands recently, then other players at the table will label you as tight. In their mind, you’re sitting around waiting for premium hands before entering a pot.

Opponents will fold more often to your bets if they perceive you as being tight. This can be irritating if you pick up a monster, as the table will often fold. But the benefit of having a tight table image is that you can get away with making more bluffs both preflop and post-flop.

Imagine that you have folded for two orbits, then raise K-9s from late position. In your opponent’s minds, you have a big hand. They may just fold preflop, giving you a free pot. If they do call, a bluff on the flop will work more often than usual, as they will assume you have paired your hand.

If you find yourself with a tight image, be ready to adjust your range by loosening up slightly. For instance, look for spots against players who don’t think you’re capable of bluffing.

Loose table image

Then there’s the opposite end of the spectrum. If you’ve raised multiple hands in a row, either because you’ve had big hands or because the table dynamics have allowed you to run wild, then you’ve probably portrayed yourself as being very loose.

After a while, observant opponents will start to look for ways to play back at you. Either by three-betting preflop or by widening their calling and raising ranges post-flop.

This is an excellent time to pick up a monster or to flop a decent hand. Opponents won’t believe that you have anything much, not after seeing you constantly raising. With a loose image, you’ll want to play much harder for value – betting big and raising up the pot.