3 Unconventional Plays that Made Us Think Differently About Women in Poker

As a woman who plays poker, one of the things that drive me crazy is the presumed predictability – basically, the expectation that I’ll be playing a passively straightforward game. The assumption that I’m not going to make any moves. The “knowing” how I’m going to play (raise Ace-King and limp everything else). What’s shocking to me is to have spent hours at poker tables, but knowing that no matter what I do, the stereotypes won’t budge. Anyone who believes women aren’t capable of making moves at the poker table has never sat across from Vanessa Selbst or otherthe top female players in the game. (Image: WPT) One of the hands I think back and smile upon was a sizable pot I lost playing $5/5 NL Hold’em at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles. I shoved all-in on a big bluff and the guy called, saying, “Take this as a compliment – I’m calling because I think you’re capable of bluffing.” I lost the pot but smiled. It was validating being treated as a “player.” He could tell I could make moves, and that was enough of a win for me.

(To be fair to the guys that stereotype every woman they play against as Miss Straightforward, there is evidence that women bluff less frequently than men . So I see their point. I just wish that people were more willing to alter their perspective when faced with new data.)

It is in this spirit that we’ve chosen a few hands to highlight where women made unconventional plays and did the unexpected. Just like in my situation, they didn’t all work out, but that’s not the point. These women kept their opponents on their toes and did anything but play their hands face-up.

(Note: Spoilers!) 1. Maria Lampropolous’ hero call with queen high.

The PokerGuys do a great analysis of whether or not she should have called with queen high, but when I watched this hand, I did think it was missing a discussion of gender. Since men are more likely to target women for bluffs – there is actually data […]

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