The surge in poker’s popularity has given new meanings to words like “tight,” “loose, “passive” and “aggressive.” Of the four words which describe playing styles, most commentators and pundits have heaped praises on “tight and aggressive” – descriptions which many novice players have taken to heart and incorporated into their playing styles.

The problem for many is that it has become a matter of “acceptance without understanding.” Just because the experts praise tight and aggressive players, this does not mean that you should follow blindly – you should look beyond the meanings and apply the words and concepts to your actual situation.

Tight versus Aggressive

The fact is that “tight” and aggressive” are contradictory definitions in themselves. “Playing tight” boils down to one thing – PLAYING SAFE: folding when you’ve got poor hands, and calling and raising only when you’ve got excellent hands.

“Aggressive” play, however, means just the opposite –taking chances with your poor hands, bluffing every so often, raising or check-raising rather than simply checking or calling.

Being Tight AND Aggressive

Aggression at the poker table would work – FOR A WHILE. Chances are the other players will be intimidated at the start; sooner or later, however, they’re going to realize that playing passive to your aggression isn’t going to work for them – and they’re going to be tempted to fight back.

What will you do if they call your bluff? You’re holding a pair of deuces and the flop comes up with a pair of Kings. Given your ‘aggressive’ nature, you’ll raise and dare them to come out swinging. An opponent calls and the turn comes out another King. You think – great! Full house and you call and raise again.

What happens if your opponent shows a full house with the three Kings on the board and pocket threes? Your “full” house goes down – and you can only watch the pot – including all your raises – walk away from you.

The bottom line is this: STRATEGY RULES! Aggression is nothing without a clear plan – it’s like a boxer leading with his fists. You may be making the points at the start of the fight, but all your opponent is waiting for will be the right time to take you out. All the points in the world mean nothing, if you get it on the chin and are knocked out of the fight.

It’s the same in poker – aggressive plays by themselves will get you the chips, but it only takes ONE major mistake on your part to lose the battle. And poker, by its very nature, tends to throw more opportunities for mistakes on the table. This is why “aggressive” is tied with “tight” plays to describe the winning players – those who exercise caution combined with well-timed or well-thought out, hard-hitting plays.