How to Isolate Players in Online Poker

Beginning players typically start to work on their experience and strategies very quickly in order to become great players. One helpful strategy is to isolate players, or to raise against certain players in order to take control of the game. By understanding how to do this, you can use it when the situation allows.

Isolating Limpers

Limpers are generally considered weaker players. They will typically not raise after the flop and usually only "limp" into the pot when they bet. When you're able to isolate them, you gain control. These are weaker players, remember, so when you raise them, the chances are they are going to fold. This knocks them off the pot so you maintain control.

When to Isolate

The best time to isolate is when the pot is when an overly-aggressive player is playing and you want to go one on one with a player. This helps you knock the weaker players off the pot so that you're able to play better against one player. It works better on low-stake games because as you climb up the stakes ladder, you're likely to start getting exploited by the players who are more experienced than you are.

While isolating weaker players in poker doesn't always work, it is a great strategy to help you maintain control of the game and manipulate other players into making the moves you want them to make. It works best when you have a great hand before the flop, because then you're more sure of taking the pot at the end.