Do players at 1/2 and 2/5 put reads on their villains based solely on their visual appearance and age? I'm a 20YO college student and I always dress nice when i play (khaki slacks Polo shirt, sperrys, and normally polo hat) 1/2 at a local dog track and noticed that Im usually the only "youngster" at the table almost always and was wondering if I could use a table image to counter the way I actually intend to play. I'm normally super NIT and hardly ever play oop or limp and try to stick to the r/f option preflop. So basically what I'm trying to figure out is if there's a way I can dress or act at the table that doesn't have to do w/ the actual way I play that may throw villains off to get them to think I'm a donk or fish, but with intentions to not take it to showdown unless I know I'm good. Sorry I know this could have been worded a lot better but hopefully you guys get what I'm trying to ask, and can give me some feedback.

8 out of 10 don't because you're playing at a level with noob recreational players that have no desire to improve their game etc they are just here to socialize with other mouth breathers. You're much more likely for them to call you out to the whole table about "playing tight" after 1 hour ; 30 hands (lol). Playing tight to these guys is not open limp/over limp-calling pre. Don't let it bother you because these are the guys spewing money without a clue.

Appreciate it! Do you think it's a good idea that if they do call me out for playing tight to try and get involved in more hands w/ them IP and play aggressively when I'm made or to play meek/soft and let them try and take advantage of my tight image and basically give them rope to hang themselves when Im good. Note that in my game I RARELY bluff. I just don't think the villains I'm playing w/ are going to respect my bluffs since most of them are calling stations, and I think playing ABC fundamental poker is working well for me.

with a tight image, opening up your bluff range to steal pots with scare cards on the turn or river, etc. will get a lot more respect since people view you as tight and only betting when you have the goods. Bluffing is a big part of being a winning player, but sticking to ABC fundamental poker that is working for you is a good starting point.

Wear baggy jeans, hiphop shirts, sunglasses, and Beats headset.

I can guarantee that even if you play only 1 hand every 3 hours, you will still get action, because it is possible that you actually have a wide range from the way you look.

Playing ABC poker at 1/2 is 100% correct. At 2/5 it's about 90% correct. As you will want to open lighter from LP etc but running massive bluffs at 2/5 is generally -ev. You can play pretty straightforward with a solid plan for hands on every street and use that for bet sizing, action you take on streets etc. Avoid playing pots with other pretty good 2/5 players unless its a cooler as there is just no need for t, and switch tables if you find yourself with more than 2 other good players.

What is a polo hat?