[Mr_Oog]

The word donk is holding me back. I think it is also holding many of you back. The reason is that it is much too simple to consider our opponents unthinking donks and ignoring their play. This is of course a mistake.

There is no such thing as an unthinking donk. Your opponent may not think correctly, but she is thinking something. It is imperative to discover what this is. Whether your opponent thinks “I know you are bluffing” or your opponent thinks “There is a straight possible and you must have it” your opponent is thinking something. Saying your opponent is an unthinking donk is simply a crutch allowing you to continue to not understand your opponent. Do not allow yourself to continue to do this.

I used to have a very hard time putting my opponent on a range of hands. I would think “She is a donk and could literally have any two cards.” I was wrong. Each opponent likes slightly different cards. Some opponents love any connected cards, some any suited, some any hand with a King or Ace. Learn this about your opponents.

Now, I can’t tell you how to do this, as I am only learning myself. But the first step is clearly to no longer allow you the luxury of simply calling them a donk and not trying.

-Mike

P.S. I am sure this is obvious/boring to many. However I am quite certain there are many who are being held back by this.

Disclaimer: As with anything I could be wrong. I accept any and all criticism. I currently play the 50's on Party and a few MTT's.