I play in an action packed home game that dictates that I play a bit tighter than I normally would. I have only played in it a few times and my image as become such that I have mostly only shown down premuim hands. One or two other players start egging me on about being "tight." In reality, I do not consider myself tight. This of course, opens the door to play off that image and make some steals.

I am not sure if they actually believe I am tight or just want everyone to loosen up and get as much action going as possible. I actually don't like it because it brings an awareness to how people are playing. It is like discussing strategy - whether good or bad - it brings up that awareness. There isn't much you can do about it I guess, I just don't like it.

So my question is how intepret it when other players verbally call you tight?
Or you temped to prove them wrong? Or do you play even tighter?

Even if they don't give you action. It's hard to know what people are really thinking and what their intention is. I find people really are not leveling but that I can level myself with this. Thoughts please.

Whats the most +EV action to make?

They are trying to get you to put money in the pot with bad holdings. They want to take your money and not give you theirs. If you're playing purely to have fun that you can gamble it up with them. If you care about the money, then just play your game. Don't change a thing. Show them a bluff every now and then if you want and they're not giving you action.

Showing bluffs is -EV, don't do it. Showing bluffs to create +EV spots later with big holdings is BS, because 1. you barely get big hands, 2. you get to bluff less often.

Dont fall for it. Some aholes will complain that youre playing too tight- that means you are making them uncomfortable so just stick it to them. Bet big when you hit a hand.

+1

Until they stop paying off your premium hands, there is no need to change. If they're folding every time you're in a pot, then yes, loosen up and add some bluffs.

Usually, when someone complains about you being a tight player, they either want you to play more hands or they want other people to stop giving money to the lockbox.

It's a lose/lose, I think. You play too many hands and lose your money, you're a fish. You play too many hands and get lucky, you're a luckbox. You play only premiums and win small pots and you're a nit. We can't all play as good as Gus, sadly.

I wish I could draw flow-charts or thought-process alogrithms on 2+2 sometimes.

My thoughts are that if another player at the table calls you tight, this is happening because of one of two different dynamics:

1.) The player is a genuinely looser player and feels uncomfortable playing against you because he does realize that if he gets involved in a hand with you, he will most likely be behind. In this scenario, take it as a compliment, and continue to play your A game.

One of the things i notice amongst most of the players I play with, especially live, is that their egos play a HUGE roll in their decision making on the felt, even the really good ones. This obviously should not be the case. But its difficult to train your mind, to ignore impulses and emotions that we have relied upon our whole lives.

So in regards to being tempted to prove them wrong: which is a dilemma a lot of live poker players deal with (especially at home games). There can be some major dick measuring contests, and its tough to not want to prove you have the bigger bankroll, or you can outplay them any time you want with any two cards blah blah blah. At the end of the day, just beat the game. That should be your sole focus. If throwing in a couple "ok ill give you some action"s, and "this could be the one!"s, to enhance ur image, than do what you gotta do, but make sure these are just weapons in your arsenal and not the tools to your own demise.

2.) The second dynamic, is that the player could be playing you. I know many players who use different types of needles, accusations, and clever remarks as a part of a level with another player. Do not get leveled. Make sure you recognize when someone is trying to get a reaction out of you, it doesn't matter to them if it is verbal or physical, as long as, it shows up in your game play. This is why live poker can sometimes need a larger variety of skills to beat the game. Focus on making the best decisions possible, not whether you are satisfying the other player's desires.

You asked would you play even tighter? This is the wrong mentality to have, i like what you said before this, about how this image can help you be more creative in certain spots whether its stealing, bluffing or whatever it may be! Do it! Some famous poker player has said, "dont play tight or lose or have a pre-determined game-plan, just react and play optimally based on what the table gives you."

im sure everyone knows this stuff, just felt like putting it into words. GL OP!

A player is only really tight at the pre flop. Once the flop is dealt if you are tight then you just get stolen from mercilessly lol.

Generally showing cards in any situation is -ev, any means in which villain is gaining insight into your play no matter how small is going to cost you in the long run