Don't upset players in online poker games by running when you win

In most online poker games, you don't get known. You're there for your online poker fix, they are there for theirs; nobody knows your name.

But play at the same online poker site for long and you will get to know and be known by your regular opponents.

As the Bible tells us:

Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Proverbs 13:10-12

Let's break down this quotation and see what bearing hit-and-run has on your image in the eyes of your online poker game opponents.

Dishonest money dwindles away. Ironic, really. You win a big pot with a flush, perhaps hang around long enough to say "ty" when somebody congratulates you with the usual "nh", or to exchange insults if the loser thought you played badly. Hooray! You've banked a big profit. But what has this done for your image?

Leaving shortly after a big win is known as "hit and run". It's extremely unpopular with online poker players, especially if the loser remains at the table and reloads. What you're saying with your actions is, "I won but I'm not polite enough to give you a shot at getting your money back."

Note that you're well within your rights to do this. There's no rule stating you can't. But remember that poker games are populated with professional players as well as casual amateurs.

Those online poker pros will note your name and take delight in beating you next time you're on their table, to 'teach you a lesson'.

Sometimes it's impossible to avoid this. Let's say your dinner has just hit the table, the family are waiting and you need to leave. Then you pick up a big pair and win a nice pot. You had no intention of hitting and running, but there it is. You're going to look like you did!

If you know you're about to leave, you could announce it the hand before you go. Something like "Last hand for me -- gg all, gl" would be a way to avoid the hit-and-run tag.

he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. In the short term, leaving the table means you will be ahead. However, if you are noted as a hit-and-run specialist, it could ruin value for you in future games.

Better to hang around, play in your online poker game for another half-hour at least and avoid the hit-and-run reputation. Thus, you will gather money little by little, rather than making one big score and skulking away.

How to avoid a hit-and-run reputation

• Announce to other online poker players when you're planning to leave. "One more round" is enough, or "One more hand for me." Please do this BEFORE you win a big hand!

• Be friendly in the chat box. Simple "nh" or "well played" when an opponent wins a pot will get you a nice-guy reputation that will survive the odd perceived hit-and-run.

• Be aware of the principal loser in the hand. If the losing online poker player has left the table, you won't be as likely to be branded a hit-and-run.

• Stay in your poker games for a while after scooping big. Half an hour isn't going to kill you. If the profit is essential to the health of your bankroll, lock up your chips tighter than tight.

Don't earn yourself a bad reputation in your poker game of choice. Online poker players have long memories, aided by the note-making applets that most sites offer them.

Be remembered for being a winner, not for being a bad winner.

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