Here is a funny story from tonight’s session. I am in the big blind. Everyone folds to the small blind, who raises. I call (automatic, plus he is a guy who looks like he might be the type to raise here with any two…I am accustomed to them). I semi-bluff raise the turn, but he calls. Typically, they don’t…I make decent money from this play. (Flop is 225, turn is 6, I have 9-7). He looks determined so when an ace hits the river, I give up and don’t bluff again. He turns over 57 (pair of fives) and takes it down. OK, one hand of thousands.

But now he turns to me and tells me that normally he chops, but he knows I don’t so he needed to make a play. He asks me if I want to chop with him (presumably because I am now intimidated/impressed by his aggressive action). Let’s see…would I rather chop with a guy, or have a guy in the small blind willing (anxious?) to raise me from out of position with 75 offsuit. I think I’ll just have to live with the raising, sir.

I am in the midst of writing a long series of columns on blind play. It seems to be dragging on to seven parts (I apologize to all of you who are sick of it by now and wish we were getting on to something else, but I started it so I have to see it through). The last one will touch on small blind vs. big blind play. Position plays a paramount part in my game, as you know, and I will not recommend making fancy plays heads-up out of position with trash hands, especially against competent opponents. However, one of the benefits of not chopping is people seem to think it is a badge of honor to make such plays. And no they won’t change their minds just because I will tell them not to.