Position play in poker is often at the center of many arguments and many hard decisions that you have to make while sitting at the table. Most people believe that position means that you are last to act and you can react to the play before you and plan strategy based on other peoples reactions. However RIP fly's in the face of conventional wisdom and when played correctly can yield positive results.
You're probably saying "ok tell me more.. What is this RIP you speak of?" RIP stands for Reverse Implied Position. Simply put if you are first to act or first to get into the pot you have position. This style and tactic has been used by aggressive players all over the poker world for a long time. The phrase was dubbed by none other than our very own Rob R. ( aka. TheNuts in the forums). His flashy style and aggressive play drove him to the conclusion that "most flops miss most people". "So why not take advantage of it!" he says. The premise is this that when you are playing conservative or timid players take advantage of that by bluffing more than normal or semi bluffing, Especially if you are first to act. The timid player's nature is to think hard before calling any bet and to fold any strong hand to a sizeable bet. Think I am wrong? Try it out. Go to your local playing parlor and take a seat. Play your game for a while and learn the table. Find the player that is willing to make the big lay downs, and folds almost every time after paying to see the flop. Then start to target them. Call them when you have nothing pre-flop and are going to get to act before them. Then Bet aggressively on the flop, did they fold? More than likely they folded like they have folded all night. If they did not fold then get out of the way because they have a monster. Your goal is simple get involved in a lot of pots with them and make them fold, remember you chose them cause they are a folder , so get them to do what comes natural to them. Sure you will lose the occasional hand and that is another reason they call it RIP , because it can kill you, but you're trying to make up for it in stolen pots, so pound away.
This method is not for the faint of heart, there is an art to RIP and having a good read on your opponents is crucial to success in implementing Reverse Implied Position. You must be on top of your game and in control you have to constantly be questioning did that flop hit your opponent what was your opponent likely to call with pre-flop does it match up with anything out there? What kind of tells is your opponent giving off? If you are in a tournament how close are you to the money and how much do you think they are willing to risk not making the money? All these things and more ought to be going through your head as you play aggressively. Make the tactical maneuver and push their limits.
While traditional position play should be and will always be the mainstream, remember to vary your play and be elusive. Give RIP a try and let us know how it works out for you. Remember it's only a bluff if you are playing the board.
