Soft Play in Poker

Table of content:

• What is soft play in Poker?
• Is soft play in poker bad?
• How is Soft Playing Detected in Poker?
• What is an Example of Soft Playing in Poker?

Imagine you, your best friend, and two others are playing a game of Ludo. There are no official teams; everyone plays individually. You and your best friend agree not to make any moves that would hinder each other, improving both your chances of winning and targeting the stronger player instead. In poker, this situation is called 'soft playing.' You're playing gently against your friend to gain an advantage over the stronger opponent.

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What is soft play in Poker?

Meaning & Definition of soft play poker:

Soft play in poker is a form of collusion where a player plays a hand softly or less aggressively because either the opponent is a friend or someone with whom they share some swapped profits. You can understand this as an agreement between two or more players where they play, taking it easy with each other.

This gives an opportunity to gain advantage to some players while creating disadvantages for others at the same table. A soft play poker avoids potentially eliminating a player from the game.

Is soft play in poker bad?

Ideally, players should play every hand with their maximum capability without considering any of their opponents. However, in poker soft play, the players play their hand differently with different opponents. This violates the integrity of the game for other players.

In simpler poker terms, it is a form of cheating but it cannot be spotted easily. There are a few reasons for it. It is done very precisely in a way that no one can notice it. The players involved might call rather than re-raise, or check rather than bet. They might play very casually, so that their friends get the chance to catch up. This is a case of soft play in poker where the other players involved are completely unaware of it.

The reason that you should know about soft play in poker is so that you don’t put yourself at the receiving end of such situations unknowingly. Soft playing poker is penalized whenever spotted in any game. Therefore, you should refrain from it ideally. However, some players still use this tactic to team up with a friend and win more money.

Is Soft Playing Against the Rules in Poker?

Soft playing is against the rules of poker and could potentially end us with a lifetime ban. Despite this, poker soft play is generally considered a lesser evil than intentional collusion with someone and often flies under the radar.

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How is Soft Playing Detected in Poker?

Soft playing is usually detected by the poker room's security team who actively looks for any patterns that indicate possible collusion. Patterns are much easier to detect in the context of online poker where teams can draw on a large amount of historical data, including all the hole-card information.

What is an Example of Soft Playing in Poker?

• Scenario: Two friends, Alice and Bob, are playing at the same poker table.
• Pre-flop Action:
  • Alice is dealt a strong hand (e.g., Aces).
  • Bob has a moderate hand (e.g., suited connectors).
  • Instead of raising, Alice just calls to avoid eliminating Bob early.
• Flop Action:
  • The flop comes, and Alice hits a set of Aces.
  • Bob hits a pair of connectors, giving him a potential straight draw.
  • Alice checks instead of betting aggressively.
• Turn Action:
  • The turn card improves Alice’s hand further.
  • Bob still has potential but hasn’t hit his straight yet.
  • Alice checks again, allowing Bob to see the river for free or a minimal bet.
• River Action:
  • The river card does not improve Bob’s hand.
  • Alice bets a small amount, just enough to keep Bob in the game.
  • Bob calls, losing minimally, ensuring both stay in the game.
• Outcome:
  • By not betting aggressively, Alice helps Bob stay in the game.
  • This soft play increases their chances of collectively winning against stronger opponents.

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FAQs about Soft Playing in Poker

What is soft playing in poker?

• Soft playing occurs when a player deliberately plays weakly against a specific opponent, often a friend, to avoid winning money from them. This is considered a form of collusion and is against the rules.

Why is soft playing considered unethical?

• Soft playing is unethical because it compromises the integrity of the game. By not playing to their full potential, players create an unfair advantage and disrupt the competitive balance.

How can soft playing be detected in poker?

• Soft playing is detected by observing patterns of passive play against specific opponents. Poker room security teams look for signs like failing to bet or raise with strong hands, which indicates possible collusion.

What are the consequences of soft playing in poker?

• If caught soft playing, players can face severe penalties, including warnings, suspensions, or lifetime bans from poker rooms or casinos. It undermines fair play and is strictly prohibited.

Can soft playing happen in online poker?

• Yes, soft playing can occur in online poker. Online platforms have sophisticated tools to track and detect unusual patterns of play that suggest collusion, making it risky for players to engage in such behavior.

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