Texas Holdem casual players
Casual players play for the entertainment value of the game, they are non-committed players.
There are fewer of these players playing online as Texas Holdem Games become more mature, but there are still plenty of them around. These players love friendly home games, but many of these types are too passive about the game to even play online.
These are players who play for fun, not for money. They may be fairly new players to the game, or they may have been playing for 50 years. They find enjoyment in the gambling aspect of the game, becoming skillful is not their goal. By the mere fact that you have read this far into this article tells us that you are most likely not in this category.
They are people from all walks of life. They are young, they are old, they're mom's and dad's. They play friendly home games with family and friends. They just enjoy the game. They don't read books or invest in poker strategy tools. For the most part, they don't have interest in improving their game.
Players in this category typically don't care if they win or lose and don't take the game too seriously. Many of them are playing with discretionary income that they can easily afford to lose. You might think they're suckers, they don't care what you think. They play to have fun, and think you're too serious about it. Their plays at the table come from their gut instincts or playful attitudes, not from skillful analysis.
Some are huge, otherwise called whales, such as Larry Flint.
Casual players are generally very loose/passive players, they like to see lots of flops. They will often be found chatting politely in the chat box. They are often calling stations and will call you down just to see your cards. If they lose, they are more likely to say "nh", than some other players.
Casual player weaknesses
They tend to be passive, letting their opponents call most of the shots. When they do wake up with a hand, their betting tells you to go away. They aren't terribly concerned about money, will call too often, play way too many hands, and pay people off. Although many of them have a decent understanding of the game, they may not always use the skills they've acquired.
Many of them could be much better players if they cared more.
Casual players strengths
Many of them have played poker for years, have good gut instincts for the game and they're willing to go with them. Some of them can be crafty players who get a kick out of making the occasional tricky play. Although they are less likely to move all-in, they will call you if they think they have you beat, meaning they play with little fear in those situations.
Remember, a lot of these players have plenty of money that they don't care about losing, this can make them dangerous. As mentioned Larry Flint is an avid player but with very little success even though he runs one of the biggest private game with top poker pros. But he is very rich, so he can afford to lose consistently at poker if he enjoys Texas Holdem Games anyhow.
Occasionally you will find one of these players to be very good. Remember, some of these types of players have played for decades, and just enjoy the challenge. You will run into these players now and then, an old guy that enjoys the occasional game of whoop-ass. If you spot this guy, be careful. He doesn't care about the money, he plays for the thrill (Larry Flint?).
Why are casual players playing
Because they enjoy it! Wow, what a concept? Lots of players forget that it's supposed to be fun, not these players. In a live game, you'll often see them with a drink in hand and having the best time of everyone at the table - win or lose!How to beat casual players
The good news is these casual players like to see flops, so get your money in pre-flop by raising with big hands (which you should be doing anyways). Some of them are skillful enough to know when they are beat, which will make it harder to get money from them post flop.
Some of them will be playful enough to continue to pay you off, but don't give up the extra money they are willing to give you before the flop. You can sometimes get away with a bluff on one of these players, but make sure you've seen him make a tough lay down or two before you decide to do it.
Bet smallish amounts at every street if you have a real big hand, these players will pay you off if you don't make it too expensive for them. All-ins can be scary against these players if you don't have the nuts. Some will be skillful enough to think they have you beat and call you. Remember, these players have some gamble in them.
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