PokerPlasm.com

C.I.A.

published on 12/21/05 at 4:31 pm

The Central Intelligence Agency may not be the most appropriate name for them, and the middle word might even be a misnomer, but the acronym has one thing in common with the game of poker. CIA has a meaning. It is no coincidence that, even though in poker circles the middle letter does not stand for intelligence there is an implied intelligence in being able to perform this act at the right moments.

‘What does the CIA have to do with poker?’ I hear you say. CIA stands for CHUCK IT AWAY! Be smart, be intelligent and learn to C.I.A..

So many players see a lay-down as a sign of weakness. But those that know the game with all its twists and turns know that it is far easier to call than to fold. It takes more than just smarts to lay down KK with an Ace on the board and someone betting at you with all they have; it takes self-control. Sometimes you have to lay AA down to no apparent beat because you know who you are up against and they don’t mess around, but despite knowing they are beaten many people will call relentlessly with nothing more than 1 pair, Aces though they may be. What is even scarier sometimes is that they don’t even know they are beaten despite their internal voice saying ‘You’re screwed! C.I.A.’

So why can’t we C.I.A.? What drives us to relentlessly pursue a small pot with 1 pair and make it a big pot that we ultimately lose? I don’t necessarily know why on an individual basis, but the common theme seems to be temporary insanity laying traps, or T.I.L.T for short. People experience a form of T.I.L.T. each and every time they see pocket pairs: the bigger they are the stronger the trap and the harder the fall.
Sometimes perfectly played aces still lose. Only one thing is certain when you have AA: that you have the best possible pre flop hand there is. But as soon as the flop comes and KK4 hits the board that hand might as well be 72 off suit if someone with table credibility re-raises your pot bet. Even if you have AK, if you are being asked to commit all your chips immediately are you willing to risk that they aren’t playing 44? Do you even stop to think about it? I don’t expect you to C.I.A. in that case, but do you even hesitate for one heartbeat? I doubt it.

Joe Hachem was interviewed after his W.S.O.P. victory and was asked what his secret was. His answer was simple enough. I can almost remember what he said word for word, ‘if someone check-raised me or re-raised me I C.I.A.’d’.
If the World Champion can do it, why can’t you?

Crazy Snake is a professional sports handicapper and amateur poker player. He has made a profit year after year through his knowledge of Aussie Rules Football, NFL, tennis, and golf. He is a senior writer for PokerPlasm.com.

1. The Top Pair Illusion
2. The Sin of Pride
3. Ride the Roller Coaster