Novice poker players should take note – a tight-aggressive game is good for them. While it’s true that there are many different poker playing styles out there, tight-aggressive consistently helps players to win games. There’s also no need to branch out to other poker playing styles: tight-aggressive playing should suffice for the rest of a novice player’s poker career.
The absolute polar opposite of tight-aggressive is loose-passive. There are other variations as well: tight-passive and loose-aggressive. This is because players rate a poker playing style on the degree of looseness and aggressiveness. Aggression depends on how often a player bets and raises. Calling doesn’t influence a player’s aggression rating but it isn’t always a good option. Looseness depends on how many hands a player plays. Players who flop hands that will get them nowhere are tight players.
You can be a tight-aggressive player
The quickest and easiest way to be a tight-aggressive player is to choose starting hands with care. Fold as many – if not all – of the bad hands. Bet when there’s a pot and raise often.
Beginner poker players would do well to consider following this style: it’s the safest when starting out in poker. Phil Hellmuth, a Poker Hall of Fame member, recommends beginners play only the top 10 starting hands.
Why does this playing style work so well?
This is simple. By playing tight-aggressive a player ensures that their starting hands are the best possible ones. This means that they will enter the pots with a decent holding. It helps to be in a dominant position.
Protect your hand and let others fold
You want to protect your hand at all times but especially when you hit something on the flop. You don’t want to be unprepared when your opposition improve their hand and possibly beat you.
Author bio:
All Africa Poker wrote this article with tips on how to play tigh-aggressive poker.