Watch those aggression levels in limit play

Over the years, limit poker has been my number one game for long periods of time. In six max play especially, the need to get involved and fight for what is in the middle is of paramount importance. It is for this reason why there are such large swings at this form of poker. When you also factor in that the mere nature of the game dictates that you will see a much larger percentage of rivers then it is little wonder that in the modern online game, such large bankrolls are needed.

In six max play, you must not back down to the slightest aggression that comes your way from your opponents. This applies of course to any form of poker and limit play is no different. In loose aggressive games then you basically have two options, either leave the game or fight fire with fire.

I have seen numerous players let their VPIP’s fall below 20% in six-max limit play and this is getting into dangerous territory. This can sometimes be an inclination that these players are multi-tabling but in many cases they are simply getting pushed around by better and stronger players. If players who have VPIP’s of say 17% are playing too tightly pre-flop then the chances are that they will be playing too tightly post flop as well.

Playing too tightly post flop is a catastrophic error in limit hold ‘em and even worse than playing tightly pre-flop. At least when you play tightly pre-flop you are avoiding making post flop errors that cost entire pots. But the process of losing an entire pot is something that as a limit player can simply be the difference between being a successful player or not.

If you find that a particular game is too aggressive for you then do not fear, simply leave the game. This in my opinion is by far the best option. In no-limit play then a few bad players can still pay you off and especially in full-ring play but a tight player really has no place in a very aggressive six max game. This process of leaving the table may seem incredibly wimpy and it may feel like you are running away. But quite often, making money at poker often involves not playing poker rather than playing.

It is often the games that you don’t play in and the seats that you don’t sit in that makes you a winning player at the end of the year. So take my advice and don’t be afraid to leave the table because if you feel uncomfortable then you are feeling that way for a reason and that reason is usually because you are outgunned……swallow the pride and leave the game.