Angle Shooting

Angle shooting refers to using technically legal but ethically questionable tactics to gain an unfair advantage in poker. While not explicitly cheating, these actions violate the spirit of the game and are widely considered unethical by the poker community.

Key Points

  • Technically legal but unethical actions
  • Exploits rules or procedures
  • Frowned upon by poker community
  • Can result in penalties or bans

Common Angle Shoots

  • String Betting: Moving chips forward in multiple motions to gauge reaction
  • Hidden Chips: Concealing large denomination chips behind smaller ones
  • Acting Out of Turn: Deliberately acting before it's your turn to influence others
  • Fake Mucking: Pretending to fold to induce opponent to show cards

Protecting Yourself

  • Wait for clear declarations before showing cards
  • Protect your hole cards at all times
  • Call floor for unclear situations
  • Know the house rules thoroughly

Example Scenarios

Chip Trick Angle: Player A faces a 5,000 bet and slowly pushes forward 4,500 without saying anything, hoping their opponent will reveal their hand thinking it's a call. This is an angle shoot because it attempts to gain information through deceptive actions.

Information Angle: Player B deliberately acts out of turn, saying "call" when facing a bet, hoping to influence the action of players yet to act. This is an angle shoot as it attempts to unfairly influence other players' decisions.

Consequences

  • Warnings: First offenses often receive warnings
  • Penalties: Missing orbits or hands
  • Disqualification: Repeated offenses can lead to removal
  • Reputation Damage: Community remembers angle shooters

While angle shooting might provide short-term advantages, it's detrimental to the game and your reputation. Professional players maintain high ethical standards and avoid these tactics. If you encounter angle shooting, don't hesitate to call the floor for clarification and protection.