Profiting In A Loose Game

Profiting In A Loose Game

Poker Strategy -Profiting In Loose Games. In a previous article, I talked about table texture and the importance of game selection as it regards your long-term profitability. Today, I want to address Loose Games and what adjustments we may need to make in these types of games.

The preferred Poker Strategy is to raise, pre-flop – of course, depending on position, hand strength, etc. But, in a loose game, is raising the best option? First, you must realize that in these loose games, you are playing “showdown poker”. The “best” hand will win, no matter how it got there. Bluffing/raising/position are all out the window, almost. Why?

Because they play everything, any two cards, well, actually every two cards. They have never seen pocket cards they didn’t like. Position can still be a factor. If you get to act last, you do have better information than upfront. This will help you get value for your strong hands.

There are two types of loose games, loose aggressive and loose passive. My favorite game to play in is a loose, passive game. Generally speaking, I will win more money and play fewer hands than anyone at the table. Loose aggressive games, depending on how many of the players are aggressive, or even overly aggressive, can lead to huge stack swings. However, these games can be very profitable.

Adjustments – For Profiting In Loose Games

Adjustment No. 1: You have heard the saying, “in a loose game, tighten your range, in a tight game, open your range”. I agree with this, not because I read it in a book, but because it’s mathematically correct. This is the correct strategy, regardless if the game is aggressive or passive. Granted, in an aggressive game, you may need to be even tighter than in a passive game, as there will be lots of re-raising involved.

Adjustment No. 2: Avoid overplaying medium-strength hands. Let’s say you have pocket nines. 5 players, plus yourself go to the flop. The flop comes 10s,7h,Kc. Do you think your pocket pair is any good? Of course not, off to the muck with them. In a tight game, where two players, and you, saw the flop, maybe those 9’s are good, but not here.

Adjustment No. 3: In loose games, play hands that can easily make the nuts. If the hand you are looking at can’t easily make the nuts, then throw it away.

In loose passive games, a lot of the players will call the post-flop bet with any kind of draw, inside straight, runner, runner flush draw, or with any over card. Pay particular attention to their betting versus calling. If they check, then call the post-flop bet and lead on the turn, you may want to pay attention. They could have hit that inside straight, top pair, etc.

Summary

Loose games, be they passive or aggressive, play differently than a “normal” or tight game. Raising is less effective, or potentially not effective at all. It’s often best to limp even with powerful hands, and let them do the betting and raising for you, particularly in a loose, aggressive game. Tighten your range, even in late position, and avoid over-playing medium-strength hands. You will do well!

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