10 replies to this topic

[Big_Mercer]

I need some tips on how to play against a table where like half the table is overbetting/overplaying their hands. And calling very loosely. This seems to happen a lot to me in MTTs where people can rebuy. Should I just not play them or what?

[mark33f]

A general strategy is this, recognize what your table is like, and play the opposite....when the table is loose, overplaying, and agressive play tight and wait for a big hand....when the table is tight, play aggressive and collect lots of pots.

[Absolute]

The table you are describing is LAG ( Loose Aggressive )If this is so, you just need to bring you A-game.Play very strong hands aggressively out of position, and play strong to moderately good hands in position.Try to bet and fold more than you call, and showdown with top pairs with players who have been overly aggressive or loose.

[DCWildcat]

Absolute said:

The table you are describing is LAG ( Loose Aggressive )If this is so, you just need to bring you A-game.Play very strong hands aggressively out of position, and play strong to moderately good hands in position.Try to bet and fold more than you call, and showdown with top pairs with players who have been overly aggressive or loose.

Good advice. I tend to play very polarized hands in this situation: either suited connectors for the pot odds, or VERY strongly played premium hands. Also, I tend to get much tighter from early and much looser from the blinds in this situation, since miracle flops can do you wonders. As for the KJ, AT, and QJs 's of the world, get rid of them when you would normally call.

[blackize]

Actually at a loose table, you can loosen up your own starting hand requirements. If people are going to play Q9 aggressively then your Q10 becomes much more valuable.

[Vade]

Uh, noPlaying hands like Q-10 at a LAG table is just asking to be dominated by someone, perhaps several someones

[blackize]

Read a book. Loosening up slightly in loose games is the way to make money.

[sickboy]

I also disagree. Ina loose game, espicially one with a small ante/blind structure, you want to tighten up and play premium hands from early mid position. These should be played flexible though. I mean watch for straight and flush draws, and small sets. Don't slow-play as you should be getting lots of action.

[blackize]

In stud yes you play according to the ante. But for holdem in a loose game things are different. Every book I have read and expert's advice I have seen has said to loosen up in loose games. But I guess those of you who are incapable of switching from TAG to LAG wouldnt understand. I can change my game up to what is most profitable at a table, and Im telling you if you play too tight in a loose game you will not get the most money off the table that way. Yes you can make money by only playing AA KK QQ AK and AQ when you have position, but to maximize your winnings at a loose table you must loosen up slightly.

[sickboy]

blackize said:

In stud yes you play according to the ante. But for holdem in a loose game things are different. Every book I have read and expert's advice I have seen has said to loosen up in loose games. But I guess those of you who are incapable of switching from TAG to LAG wouldnt understand. I can change my game up to what is most profitable at a table, and Im telling you if you play too tight in a loose game you will not get the most money off the table that way. Yes you can make money by only playing AA KK QQ AK and AQ when you have position, but to maximize your winnings at a loose table you must loosen up slightly.

The point of my post was that in a low ante/blind game you can wait for the monster hands. If the game is loose, those hands tend to payoff nicely, if played properly. I also stated that those were the hands to play in early and middle positions. I tend to agree that loosening your starting hand requirements in late position can be profitable, but I still would not play a loose agresive style at a loose agressive table. Just out of curiosity (and with no intentions of starting a flame war) which authors have you read that advocate a loose play at loose tables?

[rog]

How you loosen up is key. Q9 doesn't look any better at a loose table, but any suited connectors are gold. Play more drawing hands, but if you're playing "big cards" fold anything not worth raising since it usually comes back to you for 2 anyway. That's my opinion anyway. You need hands that are unlikely to be dominated and/or can improve to monsters.