One of the reasons for the ongoing popularity of online poker is that it’s not a game based entirely on chance. Although players have to literally deal with the cards they are dealt with, there are strategic decisions that can be made to influence the game. At least two of these strategies are from opposite ends of the spectrum. The question is whether a loose or tight methodology will come up trumps.
Loose Aggressive or Tight Aggressive Poker Strategy
The answer is dependent on a number of factors that will influence the tactics of any particular game. A loose (or LAG – loose-aggressive) strategy essentially means that a player employs a lot of hands. A tight-aggressive player (or TAG) is someone who will only utilise limited started hands especially if the cards they hold are not strong. They will then go in hard when they possess a much better option.
The trick with either way of playing is always about striking a balance and not becoming predictable. The standard of play can vary but generally, the quality of players who play poker online is stronger and the pace of play is quicker. Playing on a PC or on a mobile device gives players more chances to improve when the accessibility is always there.
Tight Aggressive Players Can Overcome Less Aware Players
Generally, TAG players can prevail more often than not when there is a lack of awareness from opponents who are more frivolous. TAG players should be very selective of which hands they play before the flop and what the table situation is beforehand. A tight and aggressive player can formulate a very hard to beat strategy against recreational players who are not used to reading the room. Their conservatism will limit the hands they play and can provide security. They spend less money and therefore need less of a bankroll at the beginning.
Where Loose Aggressive Play Is Best
There are also opportunities for LAGs during online poker. Ultimately, there is always more opportunity to predict TAGs but good loose-aggressive players can exploit this weakness. Playing so many hands might provide far more variance and add up to potential losses. On the other hand, the rewards are higher if the player is skilled enough to win at the highest clip possible by taking down the majority of the pots others don’t compete for.
Personality Types of Poker Players
Although it is dangerous to pigeonhole too much, generally certain styles of play can be aligned to different personality types. The TAG player is often patient but not afraid of making moves when the right play comes into view. They are often referred to as ‘sharks’, rearing up to bite when the opportunity presents itself.
The Tight Passive is Fearful
The variants of this main TAG personality type include the tight-passive sometimes referred to as either the ‘rock’ or ‘nit’. These players tend to play with a fear factor and can be labelled as weak-passive. They are scared of losing and tend to see the worst case scenarios so might be easy to bluff. They can fold at the slightest hint of aggressive play or a strong hand elsewhere.
The LAG personality is one who is constantly putting the metal to the pedal but can be harder to read because of the variance of hands. At the very top range of this type of personality is the ‘maniac’ who raises and raises without any particular rationale. Therefore, the majority of LAGs are extroverted in some way and at times even reckless. They can use their own open charm to bluff to their advantage.
Loose Passive Not Driven to Win at All Costs
The loose passive player is alternatively known as ‘the calling station’ and simply plays for fun rather than any total desire to win at all costs. They play a lot of hands, both strong and weak and then can totally fold with no resistance. They are generally considered to be the weakest poker players and are very much at the beck and call of the ‘sharks.’
Playing at Online Affects Tactics
Playing at live land-based casinos offers a slower and steadier number of hands. This will affect gameplay and there are more physical tell-tale signs where body language readings can be employed. Online poker is faster and could suit LAGs as there are many more hands. They can play multi-tables and hammer down more bets with the faster digital gameplay of online poker.
Ultimately, the strategy for online poker can involve a whole suite of options that are dynamic to make opponents uncertain. Attack and defence is a mix that can be effective.