Poker player types: TAG, LAG, nit, calling station and fish
Most poker players fit one of a few types, based on two questions: do they play many or few hands (loose or tight), and do they bet and raise or mostly call (aggressive or passive)? Spotting a player’s type quickly tells you how to beat them.
The four main styles
Section titled “The four main styles”| Aggressive | Passive | |
|---|---|---|
| Tight (few hands) | TAG (tight-aggressive) | Nit / rock |
| Loose (many hands) | LAG (loose-aggressive) / maniac | Calling station / “fish” |
How to spot and beat each type
Section titled “How to spot and beat each type”TAG (tight-aggressive): plays few hands but raises with them. The most common winning style.
- Respect their big bets; steal from them when they fold too much in the blinds.
Nit (tight-passive): plays very few hands and rarely bets without a monster.
- Steal their blinds often. When they raise or bet big, fold unless you’re very strong.
LAG (loose-aggressive): plays many hands and bets a lot.
- Call down lighter with good hands, let them bluff, and 3-bet them for value. See 3-bet.
Calling station (loose-passive): calls too much and rarely raises.
- Never bluff them. Value bet more and bigger.
Maniac: bets and raises almost every hand.
- Wait for good hands and let them put the money in. Expect big swings.
Which style should you aim for?
Section titled “Which style should you aim for?”Start as a TAG: choose good starting hands, play from late position and bet when you play. Later you can loosen up in good spots.
Use notes and stats
Section titled “Use notes and stats”Online, take notes on players and use the room’s colour tags if available. Stats like VPIP and PFR describe a player’s type in numbers: see VPIP and PFR.
What is a TAG in poker?
Section titled “What is a TAG in poker?”A tight-aggressive player who plays few hands but bets and raises with them.
What is a calling station?
Section titled “What is a calling station?”A loose-passive player who calls too often and rarely raises.
How do you beat a calling station?
Section titled “How do you beat a calling station?”Don’t bluff; value bet more often and bigger.
What style should a beginner play?
Section titled “What style should a beginner play?”Tight-aggressive: fewer, stronger hands, played aggressively, mostly from late position.