Tight poker player

Everyone knows that poker is not only a game of strategy, but also of style. Almost every professional player has their own way of playing the game. But there are also several generalizing, so to speak, groups.

And we will take a closer look at one of them. The topic of the material will be a tight game of poker – more precisely, the main characteristics of a tight player. In this overview article, we will find out what a tight poker player is. We will try to find out the special, distinctive features of such players and discuss their behavior at the gaming table. Who is a tight poker player And we start by interpreting the definition of what is a tight poker player. This is a participant who does not like to take risks very much, and for this reason he enters the draw only with the strongest combinations. He has a cautious play style, doesn’t like to raise, has a medium hand, and almost never bluffs. His activity or diligent struggle can only be shown if he has a maximum or a monster combination. The tight style of play is one of cold calculation and restraint, its proponents will choose to fold with good cards than raises and even more so reraises. In fact, if you do not use this format on a regular basis, then you can make your game really good. Indeed, in some situations at the table, being a tight participant is even useful. The Basic Rules of the Tight Player Let’s now take a closer look at what exactly guides and distinguishes players who choose this style of play. A tight player does not reach the flop if his hand consists of medium or trash cards. Such participants are ready to play if they have good pairs or significant connectors, ideally from cards with “pictures” – a king with an ace, a queen with a king or an ace, and the like. Another rule and a sign of being tight is not to bluff in the fight against the opponent, these are still aggressive risks. A tight player can afford to get to showdown (to reveal his cards in the final hand) only with the best possible hand – with the strongest combination. Another tight taboo is calling as a response to bets if the cards allow you to collect only an average combination. The Two Types of Tight Players in Poker The tight style of playing poker combines two main types of players, namely tight-aggressive and tight-passive players. Both of these groups have a common basis, but also their own distinctive features. Tight-aggressive players are distinguished by the presence of raises and bold, and sometimes unexpected decisions at the table. And passive tight players with regular checks, careful calling and not very large bets. Tight-aggressive style – characteristics I would like to note right away that among professional poker players who participate in live tournaments, the tight-aggressive style of play is very common and enjoys well-deserved popularity. Players who choose this tactic of the game play only certain types of combinations – namely, cards from the top of the hierarchy. In the presence of a strong hand – a worthwhile combination, they make rather bold, even aggressive decisions and go all-in in the fight for the pot. Experts advise using tight play in the early stages of a poker tournament to confuse your opponents a bit, and then allow yourself to make larger bets, raises and bluffs with medium-strength cards. Tight-Passive Style – Characteristics The most cautious variant of tight play is the tight-passive style. But despite the fact that such players are very careful, it is not so easy to beat them at the table. Let’s find out their basic principles of behavior. Rule number one for such players is to enter the hand only if there is a maximum combination, if there is none – fold. With good, strong enough cards, it’s still best to avoid raising – it’s better to check or call bets. According to professionals, such a game betrays an inexperienced player who at this stage lacks practice and courage to play more freely. They are afraid to lose their stack, overdo it with caution, and still forfeit a check and are out of the game. Opponents get rid of them by resorting to a classic bluff. The tight-passive style is especially useless over long distances. Since the drawing of only the strongest combinations, it may simply not come, because they get the participant very rarely. Such a participant is likely to be quickly read by rivals. We draw simple conclusions – tight poker players are people who avoid risky hands as much as possible. They behave with restraint, participating in the drawing of only very strong combinations. Often beginners choose this style and lose. But professionals try to be unpredictable for opponents and use a tight game when it is needed and can serve them to their advantage. Any style of behavior or strategy in poker can help a player win, but none of them is recommended to be used as a template or on a permanent basis. You should not be read – this is the main rule. But you can only become an optimal player by studying the material and practicing the game. There is no tip or secret that will ensure you win. Try to choose a playing style that is close to your character, but add other styles as necessary.