A Look at Different Types of Poker Opponents
Sometimes you can hear players complain that they simply couldn't carry the game because somebody "was always raising on the preflop" or "answering before the river" or something of the kind. As a rule, these are inexperienced players who have not yet become aware of the possibility to observe opponents in order to classify them. Not only do they not make their own classifications, but they are unaware of the classic categories of poker player types.
Ignorance of these categories leads to lack of flexibility: the uninformed player is confronted with an unusual strategy and simply doesn't know what to do. The feels unprepared and is unable to adapt.
The players with experience know that poker is not a game of precise information. It requires improvisation, well-honed instincts, acutely reasoned tactics, and the ability to adapt rapidly to an opponent's style and peculiarities.
With this in mind, you know that no player can ever be totally prepared and it will take certainly more than one strategy and none of them will be without risk. If this is all you remember, you will be much more prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead without fear or utter paralysis.
The next step is to familiarize yourself with the classic basic types of poker players. Maniacs, tight, and loose players each require that you adopt a distinctive attitude. In principle, any deviation by your opponents from the optimal game means gain: a good player is only glad to play against fish and maniacs. Occasionally you might lose against such opponents, even lose a lot during especially unlucky sessions, but in the long run you should always be able to win significantly more than you lose against such players.
The loose type of opponent is your bread and butter. They are easy and profitable. Such players play beyond the scope of their hands, they stay when they should fold and will answer any call with lousy draws and basically weak hands. Bluffing is not in their nature, neither is taking the most advantage of whatever good hands they may receive. Their good hands go unprotected. In technical poker speak, their parameters are likely VPIP over 40%, PFR under 10%, AF under 1.5, and WSD of over 40%.
Next for the tight opponents, not as profitable as the loose one, but worth your time. This type will play only the top hands and usually quite aggressively. These guys are easily read and will not protect their blinds. The odds don't favor them either.
By far the most unpredictable types are the aggressive-loose player and the maniacs. With a little bit of a smile from lady luck, however, these can offer up some major earnings for you, but be prepared to take some losses along the way. The maniac will play a card no matter what, and will avidly bet, raise and re-raise. Some of their opponents are driven nuts by this and shun the maniac. Don't you be one of them - stick with the maniacs, they are not difficult to overcome. You need a hand with average cards and the tenacity to remain in the game until the bitter end (not bitter for you if you have any skill at all). In poker parlance, their parameters are likely to be VPIP over 50%, PFR over 20%, and AF over 2.5.
Last, but certainly not least of the types is the competent player. This one is not an easy profit maker for you. They are the tight aggressive players who know what they are doing. As with all strong opponents, you will have to play your best game and hope for some pure old-fashioned luck to pull you through.
About the Author:
The author is a successful limit cash game player. He plays poker online and receives Rakeback at Ultimate Bet and competes in the monthly Races and Rolls Freerolls.
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