Poker strategy VI – aggressive play
An expert poker player knows that opening a bet and raising it constitute the aggressive style of play whereas calling and checking is more suited to those intending to play passively. However, a combination of checking and raising is the most aggressive form of play that a gambler can resort to. Since, aggressive playing allows players the chance to win more as even if he has a weak hand and bluffs, he may win by inducing his opponents to make mistakes.
One thing that aggressive players need to consider is that controlled and discreet use of this strategy is more effective than playing aggressively all the time. This is because if someone becomes too much predictable then the surprise element associated with aggression becomes nullified and this kind of predictable play may be more harmful in the player’s long term prospect of winning than passive play. Only a reckless player will make bluffing an integral part of his tactics and try to win every time with an inferior hand. Veteran gamblers can shut such players out of the game by calling his hands frequently or by employing isolation play tactics. On the contrary, when opponents know by experience that a player is aggressive only when supported by a strong hand, they will more readily fold their on hands when confronted by a opening or a raise and what style of aggression to adopt is entirely dependent on what variant of poker game is being played and what are the general mindset of the opponents.
A successful poker player must be able to distinguish between aggressive and loose play. Most players with a strategic bent of mind would consider using aggression in particular situations. So, if the player has a very good hand and he is to make the initial bet, very aggressive play is the norm. Using aggression deceptively is called for when the player effects an increased pot size with his aggressive stance and now stands the chance to improve his hand and win the pot.
