When it comes to online poker, there are many different playing styles. Lucky you, because the style that works for many pros is what I want to teach you. This style is applicable whether you choose to play in online casino or just plain having a good time with your friends. Honing your poker aggression is not just about how aggressive you should play, but the key is when you should play aggressive.


Wrong level of aggressiveness at the wrong time is a common mistake in poker. Most of the new players think they can bluff anyone at anytime and plays too aggressive or conversely too conservative and fold all the time. Playing too aggressive is good sometimes, other times it is much better to play conservative. Knowing when to switch gear is the key. Turn up your aggressive play when:

Players get eliminated from the table

If you want to “buy the pot” on one bluff, the odds are much greater that someone has a hand to call and definitely beat you when there are more players than when there are just 3 layers left at the table. Does that mean you shouldn’t be aggressive in the early phase of the game? Come on, I know you’re smart enough to figure that out.

You are in a good betting position

Meaning, the players before you either called small raises, checked or folded. You get to see how your opponents bet before you make your own bet; this is the definition of a good betting position. The good betting position is the small blind and big blind positions, because they go last. If you are playing against 8 opponents, the blinds are at 10/20 and everyone checks, perhaps you want to raise at when you are small blind or big blind. Two things will be accomplished at the same time: it will make a few opponents fold; it will indicate your opponents that you might have a hand and therefore give you more credibility if you attempt to make a bluff and buy the pot on the next round with an even bigger raise.

You have the big stack

Having the most chips out of all the players at the table means you have the big stack. Use them, if you are in the lead, don’t be afraid to raise when they only have a few. Make them pay: don’t let players see a flop for free. This is a good strategy when the blinds are starting to get expensive and when there aren’t many players left at the table. This way, you are forcing your opponents with short stack to be more aggressive. The blinds will eat up all he’s chips if he doesn’t turn it up. It is an effective tactic to use the power of big stack.

You have the short stack

Having the least chips out of all the players means you have the short stack. This means that you should play more aggressive to be able to make up for the lost hands. But don’t be a fool; make your move at the right time. It’s because other players know that a player with short stack usually plays more aggressive and often call them even if they don’t have a big hand.

The minute the poker game starts, take things easy, play tight initially. You want first to take the opportunity to study the players and their behavior. You’ll quickly see who’s studying, who raises constantly and who’s playing every pot. Don’t rely on luck, playing too aggressive in the beginning can pay off, it usually leads you to a defeat. Once in a while you can get lucky, but in the long run, you’ll lose more often than you’ll win.

Aggressive players are the winning players; you just need to find the right time to play aggressively. Timing is what this strategy is all about. Don’t be impulsive, take time to study your opponents and plan your attack. Good luck!