Good Player Types
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When we talk about good player types,
we know they’re inherently aggressive;
however, some play tight while others
prefer a much looser style of play.
There are three basic types of good
poker players:
– Nits (Really Tight Players)
– TAGs (Tight Aggressive Players)
– LAGs (Loose Aggressive Players)
Nits
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The term Nit refers to nitpicky players who deliberately
avoid most hands and wait for really strong cards.
Typically considered the Scrooges of poker.
They’re very risk-averse and only play the very best-of-thebest starting hands pre-flop.
Usually only get involved in big pots post-flop with a very
strong hand.
Most play a very tight and semi-aggressive style of poker in
a straightforward manner.
Typically only continue with a hand post-flop if they have a
strong hand or very strong draw.
Be aware of Nits when they’re betting or raising because
this usually means they either have a very strong hand or
draw.
In general, Nits are not known to bluff. Below are typical
HUD stats you can expect to see from a Nit.
HUD Stat
VPIP
PFR
CBET
Fold to CBET
3BET
Fold to 3BET
Nit Characteristics
Tight Range
Tight Range
Tight Percentage
High Percentage
Very Tight Range
High Percentage
6-Max VPIP / PFR: 15/12
Full Ring VPIP / PFR: 10/8
Example HUD Stats
0 – 15%
0 – 15%
21 – 39%
65%+
0 – 3%
61%+
TAGs
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Tight aggressive opponents (TAGs) are your typical good
poker player opponent type.
Most poker coaches advocate a TAG-style for beginning
poker players.
Why? The TAG-style of poker is time-tested and works.
Play a tight range of starting poker hands, but not nearly as
tight as a Nit.
Play their hands pre-flop and post-flop aggressively, raising
and re-raising against weaker opponents.
They’re tough to play against because they’re skilled poker
players.
Unlike Nits, a TAG is capable of bluffing in opportune spots.
A TAG doesn’t need a made or strong poker hand to bet and
be aggressive, which makes them difficult to play against.
However, just like all poker players, TAGs will have leaks in
their game; you just have to do your best to find them and
try to exploit them.
HUD Stat
VPIP
PFR
CBET
Fold to CBET
3BET
Fold to 3BET
TAG Characteristics
Semi-Tight Range
Semi-Tight Range
Moderate Percentage
Moderate Percentage
Moderate to Aggressive Range
Moderate Percentage
6-Max VPIP / PFR: 21/18
Full Ring VPIP / PFR: 15/12
Example HUD Stats
16 – 24%
16 – 24%
40 – 60%
45 – 64%
4 – 9%
50 – 60%
LAGs
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Good loose aggressive opponents (LAGs) are arguably the
toughest type of poker player to play against.
The LAG-style of play, when implemented correctly, is the
most profitable style of poker.
LAGs are tougher to play against than TAGs because they
play a wider range of hands than TAGs and bluff more often.
They’re bullies that aren’t afraid to push people around at
the table.
While Nits are risk-adverse, LAGs do not fear risky
situations; rather, they embrace them.
When a LAG is in a hand, they put pressure on their
opponents and aren’t afraid to bluff and re-raise with the
worst hand in the right spots.
LAGs use controlled aggression to put their opponents into
tough spots, knowing how and when to bluff as well as how
to effectively value-bet to get maximum value.
HUD Stat
VPIP
PFR
CBET
Fold to CBET
3BET
Fold to 3BET
LAG Characteristics
Semi-Loose Range
Semi-Loose Range
Loose Percentage
Moderate Percentage
Aggressive Range
Low Percentage
6-Max VPIP / PFR: 30/28
Full Ring VPIP / PFR: 20/18
Example HUD Stats
25 – 35%
25 – 35%
61%+
45 – 64%
7 – 10%+
30 – 49%