07-27-04, LearnTexasHoldem:

Being Aggressive Versus Passive

Question: Hi,

I've been playing Holdem for about 12 months, mainly online. In live games i think i can pick out what kind of players are at my table whether they are weak, aggressive/loose... etc, When i play, i play pretty tight. But i was very surprised to once hear someone call me a tight/passive player, i have heard it alot since.

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What? Me passive? You're out of your mind! i always thought i was a tight aggressive player. i never realised i played a passive game, i don't pretend to be a pro and i'm always willing to listen to advice on improving my game.

do you have any tips on becoming a tight/aggressive rather than passive?

Thanks,

Nathan

Answer: Thanks for the question Nathan.

A couple points:

1. Don't let other people change your game if it is working for you. You'll hear all kinds of crazy things at the poker table -- most of which are far from the truth. I would be open to new ideas but before you change your game make sure you have a good well-thought-out reason for doing so.

2. Aggression in poker is putting in more bets at marginal times. When you have the nuts and reraise it isn't being aggressive. Aggressive is raising middle pair when you think you are good or religiously betting in late position after being checked to. Aggression is dangerous though because by definition you don't have that much hand strength when you are putting in your bets.

At lower limits aggression isn't needed as much as it is at the upper limits because at the upper limits it is harder to get value for your good hands -- that is rarely a problem at lower limits, instead you get more callers then you know what to do with.

My advice for you is to play your game and keep clocking wins. As long as you are paying attention and doing your homework your game will evolve with time. With that time you'll also find more spots to put in extra bets. Until then I wouldn't worry about it. Don't be impressed if you see someone winning now and again by playing in an unconventional way. Remember, any two cards can win --- sometimes. In the long run though they all lose it back.

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