20 Dec 2025 Intermediate This material is for medium-skilled players bet sizing exploit position ranges value bet This poker strategy guide teaches you how to win leveling wars by identifying your opponents' thinking levels. Learn specific adjustments against Level 1 players who focus on their cards, Level 2 thinkers who consider your range, and Level 3 opponents who analyze what you think they have. Success requires thinking one level above opponents. Adjust bet sizing, bluff frequency, and value betting based on player profiling. How to Beat Different Player Types: Level 1 Players (What Do I Have?) - Exploit transparent opponents by fast-playing strong hands for maximum value and bluffing when they show weakness through small bet sizing Level 2 Thinkers (What Does He Have?) - Counter opponents who adjust bet sizing based on what they want you to do by doing the opposite of their intentions Bet Sizing Equals Hand Strength - Against Level 1 players, large bets indicate strong holdings while small bets signal weakness, making them highly exploitable Blocker Play Against Level 2s - Use holdings that block opponent's calling range when bluffing, especially when your line tells a credible story Level 3 Complexity (What Does He Think I Have?) - Against sophisticated opponents, observe their tendencies in small pots to identify exploitable patterns before applying pressure GTO as Baseline Strategy - When facing Level 3 thinkers without clear reads, default to balanced game theory optimal play while gathering information Avoid Fancy Play Syndrome - Stay exactly one level above opponents rather than overthinking; being two levels higher leads to costly mistakes and self-leveling
