Terms that describe playing styles

These are all terms that describe playing styles. Loose and tight generally refer to a player’s attitude toward his stack of chips. The loose player bets more often prior to the flop and will gamble more to try and make a hand. They tend to bluff a lot. A player that is ‘tight’ plays few hands that are carefully selected; they’ll fold easily. They tend to only play strong hands. Passive and aggressive refer to a player’s attitude toward other players. A ‘passive’ player tends to follow other player’s leads and not try to command the table while an ‘aggressive’ player tries to command the table and force others to chase him or fold. These attitudes combine to create four generalized playing styles: Loose-passive: These players don’t guard every penny, but they do tend to follow other players leads. These players will play most hands, but rarely initiate bets or raises. Loose-passive play is typified by casual ‘poker night’ games amongst friends. Loose-aggressive: These players are also free with their money, but they are in the game for the action and want to command the game. These players will raise often, even with weak cards. Loose-aggressive play is typified by the ‘play money’ internet poker rooms where no real money is at stake. Tight-passive: These players are careful with their money and follow other player’s leads. These players let others initiate betting, call when they have good cards and seldom raise. Tight-passive play is typified by regulars at public card rooms. Tight-aggressive: These players guard their money, but also love the competition and want to command the game. They may let other’s initiate betting, but when they raise it is very probable that they hold good cards. Tight-aggressive play is typified by professional poker players and those in tournaments. It is important to note that none of these play styles is absolute – anyone may ‘push his luck’ or bluff if they feel the time is right.