Respect at the poker table is like money in the bank. Players that have the respect of only playing well and tight most of the time are given credit for a good hand when they raise any pot. Other players are not willing to make marginal plays against this type of player. If they reraise, the odds are that the raiser may have the solid player beat, however a marginal gambling raise is ill advised against this type of player as they are likely to come back over the top if they think they have the winning hand. Consistent good players are difficult to beat in a poker game as they rarely make a serious mistake about a hand. When they call or raise, another player may not call on a marginal hand. Players like this make other players change their game as the gambling player would rather take their chances against another gambling player. The odds are far better for them in that situation than against a tight player.
Respect also lets the tight player pull off bluffs with greater ease than other players. Their reputation precedes them and helps them gain an edge when pulling off a bluff. A solid player only need bet the hand like it is the holy grail and the other players will fold unless they have been dealt a monster. Since most pots are won in Holdem by a big pair, two pair or trips, the bluffer has an advantage when setting up the bluff. If the other players are only holding a pair it is difficult to call a sizable wager on such a hand. Reputation is like an extra card in the hands of very good players that also are willing to bluff from time to time.
This type of player has an edge in tournaments as other players are not willing to risk their tournament chances on an over aggressive call. This is a huge advantage to this type of player and those with this known reputation will use it to their playing advantage. Dan Harrington is such a tournament player and he gets a great deal or respect when in a pot.
The only way to get this respect is to play well over and extended period of time and rarely if ever move away from this type of play. A tight player will rarely go on tilt and start playing wildly or throwing their chips around. It is against their nature to play this way and this would be out of character for them. Become one of these player types and it is far easier to book winning sessions. A consistent poker winner is a goal that can be obtained, but it takes discipline, skill and hand experience to achieve the goal. Sticking with a style of play when it is not working is very hard to do for most players. This is where the discipline comes into play and the player that sticks with a winning plan will prevail in the long run. Enjoy the game but do not play like a crazy person when the luck is not on your side.
