Depending on the table (Cash, SnG, Tourney) you can try a few different things.
(All of these suggestions are prefaced by saying you can't do all this with a 7/2 os - well maybe sometimes. Try to have a reasonably decent starting hand)
I find that the first thing is to start by seeing what the table is doing, are they tight? Loose?
Play the opposite.
If no one is calling a raise, raise it up.
If the table is really loose, sit back and let them knock each other off.
When you have a hand, pounce on them.
If they catch on to you, change gears and sit back for awhile
This works great in small one table SnG's.
Always take your time when it is your turn, don't drag it out but take a reasonable amount of time to fold, call or bet.
Make them see you think, make them wonder.
What's he got?
Too many players see a decent hand (mid pair) and without paying attention to their position, chip stakes or a UTG bet they just toss it in.
Take your time and analyze the situation!
Whenever I see a player fold immediately I know that they are playing their cards, not the position or the table. I will start taking advantage of them ASAP.
Betting is a real strong indication of who you are at a table.
Limpers are always perceived as weak, ABC players. And that can be used to your advantage especially if you are taking your time.
You have a strong pocket pair in late position. If no one has raised, take your time and make the call or min raise (more if the table seems really loose).
The slow bet will make a lot of players think you are stealing.
If the flop comes in your favor (a set, 2 pair etc) a small hesitation can induce a bet or raise, just what you want.
Don't use the automatic options, decide for yourself.
Important to me is to NOT show my cards.
I rarely
bluff but if I do win with a small hand, I am NOT showing it.
You want to see it? Pay for it!!
As for
bluffing, don't try to do it at the low stakes tables.
Cash tables anything under $1/2, SnG's anything under $10.
Most players at these stakes are going to play any pair, suited connectors or paint cards and they WILL suck out on you. If you are playing a semi-bluff, maybe.
And by semi bluff I mean 4 to a straight (up and down), 4 to a flush, mid or lower set etc. post flop.
Anything else will just cause you to be called and lose your
bankroll.
If you see someone else playing the same way and it's not me, then you're on your own!!! LOL
(As with anything your mileage may vary and we here at the Leo 50 school of poker are not responsible for any losses occurred while following these suggestions. Although donations from winning are gratefully accepted! LOL)