In a previous piece, we examined the four major poker personalities: loose-passive, loose-aggressive, tight-passive and tight-aggressive. Many inexperienced players (“donkeys”) start out as one of these personalities before finding their own style of play. Each personality has its obvious tendencies, which means each type has its glaring weaknesses. In this piece, we will examine some of those tendencies and how to turn their actions into your profit.
How to Beat a Loose-Passive PlayerLoose-passive players are among the weakest players at the table. They often make several mistakes that create opportunities for observant opponents.
Mistake: Playing too many hands. These opponents love to limp in, see a “cheap” flop, and hope to catch a hand.
Counter-Action: If these players want a “cheap” flop, make it more expensive for them by raising in position with a wider range of hands than normal.
Mistake: Chasing draws. These players catch a piece of a hand and won’t let go until they fill it.
Counter-Action: Most draws never get filled. If the chaser wants to keep calling bets, make it as costly for him as possible. However, if the straight or flush draw appears on the board, slow down and watch for him to bet big.
How to Beat a Tight-Passive PlayerTight-passive players seldom play a hand and rarely lead out with a bet when they do. Aggressive players can run them right out of the game.
Mistake: Plays too few hands and only calls pre-flop bets.
Counter-Action: Be the “table bully”. Always remain polite in your words and actions, but use your chips and your confidence to intimidate the passive opponent.
Mistake: Bets too little with strong hands. They play “not to lose” instead of playing to win.
Counter-Action: Big bets will scare off the timid player, leading him to believe that he’s already beaten. If the fearful opponent shows some confidence and reraises, back out gracefully.
How to Beat a Loose-Aggressive PlayerLoose-aggressive players love big bets and fast action. They play as if the game is a
NASCAR race and they have no brakes.
Mistake: Big pre-flop raises and re-raises. Likes to engage in “table bully” behavior, either with his bets or his words.
Counter-Action: The best way to counter a bully is to stand up to him with re-raises. Be prepared for a game of “chicken” and see which one of you blinks first.
Mistake: Bluffs too much, even when the board doesn’t support his bluff.
Counter-Action: A “table sheriff” will call the bluffer down on his bluffs. A timely raise on the turn or river may also dissuade the bluffing bully.
How to Beat a Tight-Aggressive PlayerTight-aggressive players rarely make mistakes in
poker, but two noticeable tactics can give away the strength of his play.
Mistake: Bets big on his strong hands.
Counter-Action: One downside of this type of play is that it makes the strength of the hand very clear to everyone. If the flop doesn’t help you, fold. If an ace or king appears on the flop, bet as if you flopped top pair. The “shark” may fold queens or jacks with an overcard on the flop.
Mistake: Varies bet sizes at random. Tries to play “mind games” with bet sizing.
Counter-Action: The best counter to “fancy play syndrome” is to stick with the basics. Let him outsmart himself and snap shut the trap.