Given that poker is a very human game, something that individual players can add their own unique flair to, it shouldn’t be surprising that certain styles (or “schools of thought”) have emerged. It would even appear that most people actually tend to stay within the bounds of their particular methodology as well, even if they’re not continuously improving. Needless to say, for the aspiring pro poker player, adaptation isn’t just a good idea – it’s a necessity of sorts.
Having said that, there are essentially three “styles” (if you will) which gamblers tend to gravitate toward, they are: aggressive, tight, and random (playing). Naturally, each one possesses its own unique perks or characteristics which may or many not help you in certain situations, tips on betting can improve your odds along with research.
For instance, aggressive players more often than not take big chances as well as engage in what many might call rather “predictable” behaviors. However, at the same time, these same players will often come at you full-bore, looking to utilize every one of your perceived weaknesses against you. When dealing with an aggressive opponent, the best tactic is to use a measured approach. In other words, carefully watch their every move and system / strategy and hit them when they’re exposed.
Tight players tend to be the most predictable at the table, but then again, they also won’t take the sort of risks that the more aggressive people are known for. This, in and of itself, can often be an indication as to the quality of their hand(s), so the best thing to do is watch them carefully and hit them with a few unexpected twists to lure them out of their pattern(s) to try and confuse them.
Lastly, there are poker players which can only be described to have a random playing style. Needless to say, these individuals can either be easy opponents or seriously dangerous at the table (depending on their luck that night). In short, all bets are off when confronting such a player; in fact, it would seem that lady luck will often decide the course of a game with one of them when methodology has failed.
For all intents and purposes, the really great poker players are able to mix and match these styles at their whim. Moreover, some of them are actually able to read into the playing styles of the other people at the table and adjust accordingly (to their personal benefit). If you want to really refine your game, perhaps this is something you should also consider?