In this article we are taking a look at one specific style of play, and the pros and cons associated with it.
The Loose-Passive player is “loose” because he is in a lot of hands. This kind of player is often called a “Calling Station” because he will call any bet, but is passive because he won’t raise or bet on his own. Check, call, fold is a typical pattern with this type of player.
Who, typically, plays as a Loose-Passive player? Well, as most answers dealing with poker, it is situational. Many times a L-P player is one who plays more for fun that money, as this style of play lets them get in on many hands, but by playing passively they try to hold on to their bankroll. Oddly enough, many player’s are passive because they don’t want to ‘offend’ or be aggressive towards the others, again a sign that they are in the game more to socialize than to win.
Pros of this style really only apply if you have the bankroll to loose and your primary motivation is to socialize and/or pass the time away. You will be welcome at a lot of tables, because you put money into the pot often, but don’t stick to the end often enough to take the pot.
Cons of this style are centered on loosing money, mainly. You will loose money over the long term, because you won’t take a winning hand to the end, unless you luck out with a flopped high straight or high flush or similar killer hand.
If you are truly interested in learning to win and be successful at poker over the long term, but continue to play as a Loose-Passive player, you will also experience a great deal of frustration. Your playing style does not match up to your motivation, which is a recipe for aggravation. If, however, you do want to play for fun, to meet people, and to pass time, but don’t have a very large bankroll and the willingness to spend it, try the plethora of online poker rooms that use play money.
