Tampa Bay Poker Group

Ever been driving down the street and see some idiot swerve across four lanes of rush-hour traffic to avoid missing turn?  Of course you have, it happens every day.  A common response to that occurrence is probably, "Wow, what an idiot!" or "What is that guy thinking?"  The fact is that the majority of people you come into contact with in on a daily basis are the person who doesn't think twice about making the desparation lane change in order to save the hassle of turning down the next street or making a U-turn. 

Now think about all the times you've been sitting down at a poker table (live or online) and someone makes a play that baffles you beyond belief.  I'm willing to guess most of you have that reaction several times per poker session.  I know I do, especially when I am the victim of the dreaded donkey punch.  The question is, after playing hundreds, thousands and maybe even millions of hands of poker, why should I, or you, be surprised by the irrational play of your opponent?  The answer is, you shouldn't be surprised.  However, as rational people, we condition ourselves to believe that the person sitting across from you at the table is also rational and capable of making intelligent decisions.  Hell, it's human nature to want to give someone you nothing about the benefit of the doubt.  A wise man (Coach) always says, "You can't expect people to think rationally."  (Or something along those lines).     

As an example, let's take a look at a hand I played in the Daily Double.  (Note:  the point of this is not to bemoan my bad luck, tell a bad beat story, accuse anyone of cheating, or allege that Full Tilt is rigged.)