Using Aggression to Win at Poker

  Aggression in poker doesn't have to mean acting like the jerk of the table. Think of aggression as your way to make the most of a good hand. You should aggressively play that good hand using all of your best decision making skills. Poker is a sport where aggression is generally rewarded, so if you tend to be timid about maximizing your hand - make a few changes to work some discriminating aggression into your play.  Being wisely aggressive is the right way to work your hand to your advantage. It relates to your betting, raising, or raising heavily with a strong hand. Your first job is to intimidate other players who may start with a strong hand. Next you have to be watchful, realizing that the players who stay in the longest may also have good hands. Then, with your aggressive and heavy raise, the opponents end up paying more to stay in, and you gain a larger pot.  Different games require varying amounts of aggression. Shorter games require more aggression, but often you must wait until you have a strong hand. Often a long game means you have to tighten up. Tighter games are an ideal situation to get aggressive, taking full advantage, and stealing pots.  Adjust your level of aggression to the level of quality exhibited by your opponents. Weak players give you the opportunity to dole out bad pot odds - rendering them helpless as you gradually take their money. Better opponents might not be so obvious and your response must be aggressive.  Aggressively raise with monster hands like pocket aces, kings, queens, jacks and tens as well as suited A-K, A-Q, A-J and K-Q. Re-raise with aces, kings and queens to safeguard your hand. You're trying to make the opponents pay the price to see another card when yours are strong. Your aggression sets the tone to which your opponents will play. Playing with aggression and selectivity are essential skills to help you win more money.