Waiting for the elevator

My wife and I were coming home from a friendly poker tournament the other night, and were discussing some of the hands in the taxi on the way home. The cab driver heard us, and started talking about poker, especially texas hold-em.

He started talking about more serious cash and tournament poker, and a player type he keeps running in to. In his view, the worst type of poker player, the type that doesn't win tournaments or gain respect, is the type who 'waits for the elevator'.

Waiting for the elevator refers to a playing style where, not only does the player wait for premium hands rather than looking for pre-flop steal opportunities, but also waits for a strong hit before taking any action post flop. They are basically waiting for a big hand before taking any action, regardless of how many folds it takes. They rarely three bet.

They other wise don't pay attention to the game when they are not in hands, not looking for opportunities or looking at another players style.

They are waiting for premium pre-flop cards followed by waiting for a hit post flop, meaning they are folding most hands before they see the turn.

They can also easily be taken advantage of, any strong bet will be folded to if they are holding less than a premium hand.

This type of player can do well against over aggressive players because the aggressive player will be facing premium cards if they continue to call. Otherwise, they are fairly easy to exploit.

There is definitely an equivalent on-line. And they are certainly easier to play, if you raise they will usually fold, if they don't, you know they have strong holdings.

I think the cabbie would be a worthy opponent in a poker tournament, who knows who you might meet at the tables... I won't get caught waiting for the elevator.