From Poker Fish to Shark: Strategies for Winning and Defence

In poker, players are often identified by their skills and playing prowess. Among them, poker “fish” is a label given to particular players.

What does it mean to be a fish in poker? Why does it matter?

Should you play like a fish or a shark?

Let’s find out.

What is a Fish in Poker?

A fish in poker refers to an inexperienced or unskilled player. They make frequent mistakes and lack a proper understanding of the game.

The term comes from the metaphor of more experienced players (sharks) catching fish to maximise their profits. Fish are easy targets because they play inconsistently and make predictable errors, like calling too often.

The label sounds harsh, but being a poker fish is not uncommon. Beginners are more likely to be fish when they start playing.

However, most players learn from their mistakes and improve their skills over time.

How to Spot a Poker Fish?

Identifying a fish at the table gives you strategic advantage, You can adjust your play to exploit their tendencies, increase your winnings, and prevent targeting the wrong players.

Here are a few ways to identify a fish in poker:

Plays Too Many Hands

Fish often cannot understand starting hand selection and play almost any two cards. They will frequently limp into pots or raise with weak hands.

Example:

A player consistently calls preflop raises with hands like 🔶9♠3 or ♣J♣7, even in early position.

Over Commits to Draws

Most fish chase unlikely draws, such as inside straights or low-percentage flushes. They don’t consider the pot odds.

Example:

A player calls large bets on the turn with a gutshot straight draw despite poor odds.

Calls Too Often

A fish rarely folds, even when the action benefits their opponents. They call down bets with weak hands like bottom pair or ace-high.

Example:

A player calls a large river bet with 🔶6♠4 on a board of ♣A, ♠Q, ♠9, 🔶3, 🧡K.

Bets Too Small or Too Large

Fish generally fail to understand bet sizing. They may bet too small and be unable to protect their hands.

Consequently, they may overbet pots unnecessarily.

Example:

A player bets 10% of the pot with the top pair, allowing opponents to chase draws cheaply.

Emotional or Erratic Play

A fish is prone to emotional reactions. They may show anger after a bad beat or going on tilt. They play more recklessly as they try to regain losses.

Example:

A player loses a big hand and begins to go all-in with marginal hands out of frustration.

Poor Position Awareness

A poker does not consider their table position while playing. They may play weak hands from early positions as often as late positions.

Example:

Limping in under-the-gun with hands like ♣8♠5 indicates a player doesn’t understand positional strategy.

Frequent Limping

Fish often limp (call the big blind) into pots instead of raising or folding preflop, even with unsuitable hands.

Example:

A player frequently limps with marginal hands like 🧡Q 🔶6. However, they fold to post-flop aggression.

Overreacts to Big Hands

A fish generally overvalues hands like two-pairs or trips. They fail to recognise the potential for straights, flushes, or full houses.

Example:

A player confidently goes all-in with two-pair on a highly coordinated board like 🧡10, ♠J, ♣Q, ♠K, 🔶A.

Strategies to Catch Poker Fish

Once you’ve identified a poker fish, it’s time to catch them. Below are a few strategies to help you maximise your profits by exploiting their tendencies.

Play Strong, Valuable Hands

Fish often call too much. Therefore, play premium hands that dominate weaker holdings.

How to Execute:

• Don’t bluff, as fish are likely to call down your bets with marginal hands.
• Bet larger for value with strong hands to extract minimum chips.

Example:

You hold ♠A♠K on a board of 🔶K, ♣7, ♠3. Bet aggressively, as fish may call with hands like 🧡K🔶2 or even 🔶7🧡6.

Avoid Multiway Pots

Weaker hands can win unexpectedly in multiway pots. The situation favours fish who play without thought and randomly.

How to Execute:

Raise preflop to isolate the fish and play heads-up, taking advantage of your skill edge.

Example:

A fish limps into the pot. Raise significantly to thin the field and take control of the hand.

Use Position to Your Advantage

Fish usually ignore position. You can exploit them by acting last.

How to Execute:

• Play more hands when you’re in position against a fish.
• Control the pot and pressure them with bets.

Example:

A fish’s check on the river might signal weakness. It allows you to bet confidently for value or bluff selectively.

Exploit Bet Sizing Mistakes

Fish often make inconsistent or illogical bets. It can go a long way to reveal the strength of their hands.

How to Execute:

• Call small bets with a wide range to see cheap showdowns.
• Oversized bets may signal strength. Fold if your hand is weak.

Example:

A fish bets only 20% of the pot on the turn. You call with a draw or marginal hand, knowing you’re getting excellent odds.

Exploit Limping

Fish tend to limp with weak hands. It allows you to take control of the pot preflop.

How to Execute:

Raise or re-raise preflop to isolate the fish and force them to play out of position.

Example:

A fish limps in an early position. Raise with hands like ♣A♣Q or ♠9🔶9 to seize the initiative.

Also see: What are Poker Positions?

Let Them Make Mistakes

A poker fish may overcommit to bad hands or chase improbable draws. Be patient and wait to capitalise on such mistakes.

How to Execute:

Avoid taking unnecessary risks and wait for premium hands to exploit their errors.

Example:

A fish calls a large bet on the flop and turn while chasing a low-percentage straight or flush draw. Capitalise by making them pay heavily for drawing.

Observe and Adapt

Fish behave differently. Some may be calling stations, while others are overly aggressive.

How to Execute:

• Value bet consistently if the fish is passive.
• If the fish is overly aggressive, trap them with strong hands and let them bet into you.

Example:

A fish is hyper-aggressive. Check-raise the flop with your strong hands to maximise their bluffs.

Avoiding the Fish Label: Tips for New Players

It’s natural to make mistakes when you’re a beginner. Take the following steps to ensure you don’t end up being the target at a poke table.

Learn the Basics

Understand and learn poker hand rankings, rules, and common strategies. A holistic understanding is essential to avoid obvious mistakes.

Additionally, practice with friends and in free and low-stakes games.

Be Selective with Your Hands

Playing too many hands is a hallmark of fish behaviour. Stick to strong starting hands like big pairs ( ♠A🔶A, ♣K🧡K) or high connectors ( ♠A ♠K).

Fold marginal hands instead of chasing weak draws or small pairs in unfavourable spots.

Manage Your Bankroll

Fish often play at stakes beyond their skill or budget and lose quickly. So, play with money you can afford to lose.

Additionally, choose games that match your skill level.

Don’t Limp Too Often

Limping indicates weakness and invites aggression from opponents. Therefore, raise or fold most of the time, especially from early positions.

Example:

Don’t limp with hands like 🧡K🔶Q. Instead, raise to gain control of the pot and avoid looking passive.

Pay Attention to Position

Don’t play hands out of position (early in the betting order). It makes decisions difficult and risky, as opponents are yet to act.

The right move would be to play tighter in early positions and play loose only from late positions.

Example:

Fold mediocre hands like ♣A 🔶9 in early position, but raise them on the button.

Study Betting Patterns

Fish often bet inconsistently or without purpose to become predictable. Therefore, bluff selectively and bet big only when you’re confident about your hand.

Example:

Avoid small, hesitant bets that express uncertainty to your opponents.

Don’t Chase Every Draw

Chasing long-shot draws (like an inside straight) is expensive and rarely pays off. Fold when the pot odds don’t justify the risk, especially on low-percentage draws.

Example:

Don’t call large bets hoping to hit a single out, like the last card needed for a straight.

Avoid Emotional Play (Tilt)

Inexperienced players tend to let emotions take over after a bad loss. It leads to reckless decisions and further losses.

Stay calm and stick to your strategy, even if you lose a hand. Take a break if you feel emotions taking over.

Observe Your Opponents

Beginners focus only on their cards and don’t observe opponents. In the process, they miss out on valuable information.

Therefore, you must watch for patterns in your opponents’ behaviour to make better decisions.

Example:

An opponent always raises big with strong hands. You should avoid challenging them without a solid hand.

Learn and Practice

Fish rarely invest time and effort to improve their game. This makes them exploitable and stagnant.

Read books, watch videos, and join poker forums to refine your skills. Practice regularly, review your hands to identify mistakes, and improve your strategy.

Read more: Poker strategy to win poker

Fish vs Donkey: What’s the Difference?

A fish and donkey in poker mean almost the same thing – inexperienced players who make mistakes. However, there are a few subtle differences that may need you to adjust your strategy for the best results.

Also check: Poker Fish vs Poker Shark

Don’t Be a Poker Fish

A fish in poker is usually a beginner who is yet to understand the game fully and develop their skills. Seasoned players can identify fish at the table and exploit their tendencies for maximum profits.

It is possible for a fish to learn and gain experience with time. They should also study the basics and be fully familiar with poker rules and strategies.

Most poker players start out as fish, they hone their skills and gradually turn into poker sharks or pros.

Best of luck becoming an experienced poker player so you can dominate the tables.

FAQs on Fish Poker

Is “fish poker” a derogatory term?

A fish in poker refers to a novice player who is prone to making mistakes. The term is derogatory but used commonly in poker circles. Try to improve your game and skills if you are a novice.

How do you catch a poker fish?

Seasoned poker players can catch a fish by playing strong hands, avoiding multiway pots, and using positional advantage. Another simple way is to just wait for poker fish to commit a mistake.

How do you avoid being a fish in poker?

Learn the fundamentals to avoid being a fish in poker. Additionally, use a consistent strategy, play selective hands, and pay attention to your position.

Is poker fish and the fish card game the same?

“Fish” in poker is a term used to describe new, inexperienced players. On the other hand, Fish is a card game similar to rummy. In fish, players draw and discard cards to form the best hand.

Do experienced players only depend on poker fish to profit?

Exploiting a poker fish is only a part of the strategy. Pro poker players use different techniques and tricks to maximise their profits apart from targeting a fish.