Loose and Aggressive Poker Play: the Difference
In a lot of ways your Poker playing style will be the determining factor in your success or failure as a player. Indeed, the way to play the game is something that is often touched upon in Poker strategy guides. However, while most recommend the aggressive style, several players do not even know what that means.
Early in your career, it is important that you are able to distinguish between the tight aggressive and loose Poker playing style. They are very different, and this is something that you need to aware of.
A loose Poker playing style simply means that one plays any and all hands, regardless of value. A loose player will also bet and raise without any thought to his position on the table, or even the size of his stack. This is not a sign of a "tough" Poker player, but rather a reckless one. People who adapt this Poker playing style lose their stack very quickly.
A tight aggressive Poker playing style, on the other hand, is one wherein only a few select hands are played out. If those hands are not there, the player folds. This is not a sign of weakness or passivity. Rather it showcases the intelligence of the player. He will not risk his money on a weak hand, but will instead use it on the big hand.
When a tight aggressive player gets the right hands, then he strikes. He uses his money to raise pre flop, and is able to take the pot down uncontested. This style of play will also allow a player to use bluffs more effectively, because the other players on the table know he only plays good hands.
On the other hand, a loose player will never get a bluff done correctly, because he will always be called down. Why? Because every at the table knows he plays everything, including garbage hands. This also means that you will be very predictable, and as soon as you are read, you are as good as busted.
Again, it should be pointed out that a loose style of play does not mean one is brave; all it means is that he will bust out quickly. A tight aggressive Poker playing style is the way to play the game.
By playing good hands, picking your spots and striking with the big hands, you will be heads and shoulders above every one else on the Poker table.