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MPL Poker Mastery: How To Identify A Fish In Online Poker

Welcome back to MPL Poker Mastery, where we unravel the secrets of the virtual felt! While spotting fish on live poker tables might be straightforward, identifying them online requires a different set of skills. In this third poker blog of our series, we’ll share tips and tricks to help you recognise those fish swimming in the digital waters.

What Is a “Fish” in Poker?

In poker lingo, a “fish” refers to a poker player who is unskilled and lacks experience. They’re the ones who make questionable decisions, play too many hands, and fall into predictable patterns. Fish are essential for the poker ecosystem—they provide action and keep the game interesting. As you sharpen your skills, learning to spot these fish becomes crucial. Let’s explore how!

Identifying A Fish In Online Poker

1. Pre-flop Open limping: One of the most common ways to spot a fish is through the ‘limping’ poker tell. Experienced players typically raise rather than call the big blind during pre-flop, especially in games like Pot Limit Omaha and No Limit Texas Hold’em. If someone consistently enters the pot with a call preflop, they’re likely unaware of this basic strategy—a classic fish move. Avoid open limping yourself to stay off their radar.  
2. Playing 40% or More of Their Hands: Fish tend to play a wide range of hands—sometimes 40% or more! Keep an eye on your opponents’ VPIP (Voluntarily Put $ in Pot) stats. If you spot someone playing a lot of hands, tag them for future reference. Online players can check their HUD (Heads-Up Display) to see how many hands opponents are playing. 
3. Not Raising Often: Fish rarely raise. They prefer passive play, often limping into pots and calling after the flop. Keep an eye on their preflop raise (PFR) percentages. If you spot a passive player, bet aggressively with your strong hands—they’re likely to call with almost anything. Aggressive fish, on the other hand, require a different strategy—let them bluff and call them down.

How to Deal with a Fish?

Once you’ve identified a fish at your table, the next step is to capitalise on their weaknesses. To exploit them, adopt a more aggressive approach. Bet and raise with your strong hands, as fish are likely to call with inferior hands. Maintain a solid strategy, adjust to their play style, and always manage your bankroll responsibly. Remember, patience and discipline are key when dealing with fish. By staying focused and exploiting their mistakes, you can significantly increase your winnings in online poker. 

Hope these insights will help you identify the fish in your next online poker game. As we wrap up this article, remember are essential for a healthy poker environment. Treat them with respect—they keep the game exciting!

Stay tuned for our next educational blog in the grand finale of MPL Poker Mastery. We talk about balancing poker and real life. For those who missed blog #2, click here to read. Register on MPL Poker, hit the weekly MTTs and freerolls, and let’s reel in those fish together!  

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