The Hand That keeps Teaching me the Way I Read Opponents

These hands have completely changed how I played

Before then, I thought I knew how most poker players played. Turns out, I didn't.

I opened with A♠4♠, and one player called. The flop gave me a weak pair. We went bet, call, bet, call, and by the river, the board looked scary enough that a straight was possible.

I checked.

He shoved for about $15.

A few months ago, I would've folded without thinking twice. But I've spent a lot of time studying how these players actually play their hand (one thing they love is bluffing)

So I took a deep breath and called.

He turned over A2.

I wasn't holding a monster hand, but it was enough.

That hand taught me something,

Never assume every player thinks the same way. 

Since then, I've tried to pay less attention to what I think they're supposed to do and more attention to what they actually do.