Poker Plays 101: Aggressive Plays

Aggressive plays in poker are those that employ actions that demand a specific reaction from opponents. Opens and raises are therefore examples of these. By having a better understanding of aggressive plays, you could easily use them when the situation calls for it.

There is an often said poker maxim that states: 'aggression has its own value in poker.' This is true but often misunderstood. By playing aggressively, you get two ways of winning. A player who performs a raise will win either by having a winning hand, or by forcing the remaining players to fold.

In contrast, a player who calls will only have one way of winning: by having the best hand by showdown. Aggressive plays are effective because they force other players to act. If a player opens or raises, then the succeeding players must place a bet equal or greater than the open or raise. Otherwise, they must discontinue their hand.

However, aggressive plays in poker are often mistaken for placing bets aggressively. Players who think so often bet whenever they can, even if the pot odds are against them, and even if their hands are almost trash.

One must keep in mind that aggressive plays are not equivalent to playing loosely. Playing aggressively does not mean that one has to bet each and every made hand, and bluff almost all hands. In fact, a superb aggressive play will need a tight and conservative way of playing.

Think about it: when you perform a raise or an open, you need to put in more chips than one who just calls. This means that you are spending much more by playing aggressively. If you play loosely while playing aggressively, then expect to leave the table early.

Thus, it would be best to place a bet only with the best hands, but play them aggressively. By folding weak hands and not bluffing much, you will be able to save your chips for much better hands. And by doing so, you will insure a win each time; either by having the best hand at showdown or by forcing other players to fold.

Constantly playing aggressively in poker is a good strategy. This is true especially if you have an excellent skill in assessing the situation of the board and choosing which starting hands to keep. Just always remember: tight plays are the best counterpart of aggressive plays. Try your hand at performing opens and raises. Once you get the hang of it, you will surely march your way to the pot.