Against players who play too many hands, profit by playing tight, avoiding bluffs, and just playing better starting cards. With players who play too tight, steal blinds, value bet strong hands, and bluff more since they'll fold too readily.
When deciding to play and how to play, your opponents matter more than the game structure. The structure rarely stops good players from joining a game. But if they see only top players relative to their skill, they should find another game.
But you don't need every player to be worse than you. Just 1-2 bad players or 5-6 mediocre ones make a game potentially profitable. However, if everyone is as good as you or close, you won't lose much but can't expect to win much either. Your hourly rate will be low.
So evaluate your opponents carefully when choosing and playing in games. Seek out some weaker players you can profit from. Avoid tables where everyone is at or above your skill level. The players matter more than the structure. Choose your opponents wisely.
If opponents play too many hands:
· Don't play as loose. Play better starting hands. This alone gives you an edge.
· You can play a simple, unimaginative game. This encourages them to play even more hands.
· At the end, you'll likely have the money. You didn't outplay them. You just played better starting cards.
Loose players often make other mistakes too:
· They call too much on all rounds, not just pre-flop.
· They want action and play just once a week.
Against these players:
· Be conservative and patient. Play solid cards.
· Don't bluff much. No value when they'll call.
· Except bluff once or twice early to advertise. Then get called later with real hands.
So against loose opponents, tighten up. Play better cards and avoid bluffing. Let them make mistakes by playing and calling too much. Be disciplined, bet with strong hands, and you'll profit from their loose play.
Sometimes you'll encounter players who play too tight. They give away information and opportunities.
Players who are too tight pre-flop:
· Steal their blinds and antes frequently. Raise the forced bet when heads-up.
· Don't do it every single time. They'll catch on and loosen up.
· But raise 2/3 of the time when heads-up pre-flop.
Many tight players pre-flop become too loose on later rounds:
· If a tight player calls your steal attempt pre-flop, give up the bluff. They won't fold later.
· Bet strongly when you have the best hand. They'll call down with worse.
Rarely, some players are too tight on all rounds. Against them:
· Semi-bluff frequently when you can represent a good hand.
· Bluff more than usual. They'll fold too much.
So adapt your play against tight opponents. Steal preflop, bet strong when ahead, and bluff more on later rounds. Take advantage of their tendencies to fold too much and pay you off with inferior hands. Tight is not always right.
