Types of Plays: Defense Plays
Using “Defense plays” (aka: “playing defense”) simply means to make a counter-attack that is meant to nullify an opponent’s strategy (usually an aggressive strategy). Since a defensive play is typically the flip side of aggressive play, it’s usually a reaction (as opposed to instigation.)
For example, you may wish to call or raise back when you feel a player to your right is bluffing (especially if they bluff continuously). This is your reaction to his or her action. In this case, the assumption is that the person doesn’t get strong hands much, since they’re doing it so often. So you defending the pot with calls and raises will entice him or her to fold and cut their losses.
Defense plays are a way to have the game played the way you want it to be played, as opposed to how your opponent wants the hand to go down. In short, it’s a way to twist their aggression into a situation that benefits you.
Let’s say you’re in a game of Texas Hold 'Em, and you have a player that’s been stealing your blinds (the fiend!) Every time you’re in a big blind, this person appears to get a great hand and calls and/or raises to intimidate you into cutting your losses and folding. Basically, they’re taking control of the blinds and controlling you. But ask yourself, “Did he or she really get a great hand, or are they bluffing you when you have the big blind in to maximize their payout?”
The best way to stop this is to begin to play defense and call them out. The strategy is based upon the assumption that after seeing a few calls and raises from you (instead of folds), the thief will figure out that you’re not going to fold as often so their aggressive plays become less effective (if not less numerous).
So are defense plays better than aggression plays? Aggressive play is betting, raising and calling (especially when you have a strong hand). Most poker experts promote the advantages of aggressive play as the number one play. However, pure aggression alone won’t keep you a winner. A good poker strategy needs to be balanced with a solid defense as well. Each play is a tool and your job is to know when to use each one.
In other words, look Big Al in the eye and call his bluff.
