Respecting your opponent...

ditpoker

I went into the fitz for a cash game (1/2) this evening. A player i have played before in tourney's and that i have dealt to several times takes a seat at the same table as myself, he will be BB on my button. This is a player who I have a great amount of respect for as I have seen him make some quality plays, both bluffing and disguising strength brilliantly. In effect, he is a player who (at the moment) i know is considerably better than i am at this whole poker thing. At first I just decided i'd avoid pots with him and try to stay out of his way. After I left (down an overwhelming 20 euro!!! ) I was thinking about whether or not I should have asked to move table (and cite whatever reason) or even should i have considered hitting the SE as its only a walk away hoping for an easier table? Is it wrong to want to avoid an opponent, or indeed high quality in the first place. Should I do what i did and just avoid pots with him, should i be eager to be at his table in an attempt to learn, should i always aim to play a table of fish as the optimum table?

I saw an interview with Joe Hachem about how an ideal table for him would include himself, 2 pro's and 6 complete fish so that he could use the 2 pro's to gauge information about the fish... would it be wise to adopt such a policy and be glad to be at a table where i can use the player i respect as a source of info as to how to play against everyone else?

any thoughts greatly appreciated!

RoundTower

having one very good player at your table isn't enough for you to want to move, if you are also a good or at least half decent player. Even in the Fitz there is probably someone competent at any table, in this case, you just happen to know who it is in advance. Online you can easily be sitting with 3 winning players and 4 fish and have a profitable game.

DeVore

You might think about moving seat though, to get better position. Unless you are Eoghan O'Dea I dont think anyone else would leave just because there was a good player at the table. (This isnt a slag on Eoghan, just that his game selection is very strict!)

DeV.