subject: Strategies for Beating Various Types of Opponents [print this page] Strategies for Beating Various Types of Opponents
So you have been observant at the table and you identified a number of betting patterns that may be loosely labeled as tight, loose, maniac and hyper-aggressive. Each of these opponents are susceptible to being beaten, albeit by significantly different strategies. Each strategy is aimed at the fundamental error made by these types of opponents and once identified, you will be able to beat them on a regular basis.
The Tight, Passive Opponent
Yes, these are the players who rarely enter a pot pre-flop and are reluctant to commit many of their chips to a pot unless they have the nuts or otherwise believe they have the best hand. But, like all strategic choices, there is a fatal flaw in their play. Against these opponents I tend to loosen up substantially because the tight, passive player is too timid to stand up to pressure and will fold their blinds or their limp with uncommon regularity. When they finally do put money in the pot with a big hand voluntarily I back off unless I hold a monster because I can be sure they made a hand of some value. My advantage comes in the fact that in hold'em it is quite difficult to make much of a hand on the flop. I will win a number of little pots from these opponents, mostly by stealing blinds. On the other hand, I will rarely, if ever, lose a big hand against them because when they are in I am gone.
The Loose Opponent
The loose opponent's mistake is precisely the opposite of the tight player. They are prone to committing too much money to the pot without a premium hand. One of the cardinal rules of poker is to play for a small pot when you haven't yet made your hand and play for a big pot when you are best or have reason to believe your hand is best. The loose player simply gets involved to0 often and for far too much money. If it is true that one only flops a pair, not even such a great hand, or better only 35% of the time holding any two cards, then it stands to reason that 65% of the time one flops air. If one is involved in even 50% of hands dealt, and the loose player often is involved in far more than that, then if I have a good hand, one I can bet and raise with, all I need do against this opponent is be patient, wait for a strong hand and then push. A tight, aggressive strategy works best against the loose opponent.
The Calling Station or Maniac
The calling station is one who will play any two cards, rarely raises but are willing to call or check-call on every street hoping to hit the miracle card on the river. If there were a clear definition of easy money, this opponent is it. This player is without any doubt the most profitable opponent I ever play against. It is a mistake to bluff a calling station. It is also a mistake to slowplay against a calling station. The correct strategy is to make small value bets with solid hands and overbet the pot when you hold a monster. You will be called on each street and you will scoop a huge pot. Tight, semi-aggressive play works best.
The Hyper-Aggressive Opponent
Truly hyper-aggressive players are those who fire bullet after bullet into a pot that they are unlikely to win. They hold two pair, for example, when the board is highly textured to a straight or flush or both. They bully opponents with second best as a matter of course. They raise and check-raise frequently, often with nothing but air. These are the table bullies, applying pressure and more pressure until they are played back at. While it is often tempting to push back with nothing, I make it a habit to play tight and let my opponent take the lead in betting. I check-call until the river when I am likely to make a huge raise. When the bully makes a small bet I become cautious. This attempt to feign weakness is actually a tell that they hold a very strong hand and are fishing for a raise in order to get paid off. I don't accommodate. I am perfectly willing to get out of the way when I don't have much of a hand in order to punish the bully when I do. I do not bluff the bully nor do I play loosely against him. I tighten up and pounce when I get the chance.
Some Last Thoughts
The strategies I use against opponents described above are generalized approaches to the game of poker. They are not, however, written in stone, except for never bluffing a calling station. Poker tables are not static. At the beginning of a session you may be playing at a table that is quite loose and after an hour or so as players come and go the table may tighten up. When this happens, and you will know it if you are observant, it is time to shift gears, to change up your game and adjust to the new conditions. As the complexion of the table ebbs and flows, so too your game must adapt to the changing circumstances. Sometimes, even with the same players, they will discover that your play has turned predictable, something you too will notice if you are observing your own play objectively. When this happens, shift gears and play differently. It will be deceptive for a while but it will catch up with you as well.
