Poker Playing Styles Explained
A complete guide to the most common poker playing styles: Nit, TAG, LAG, Maniac and Calling Station. Understanding these styles helps you adjust your strategy, exploit weaknesses and improve your results both in cash games and tournaments.
- Nit — Very tight, avoids marginal spots, low risk.
- TAG (Tight Aggressive) — Solid and balanced modern style.
- LAG (Loose Aggressive) — Creative, pressure-based strategy.
- Maniac — Extreme aggression, big swings.
- Calling Station — Calls too much, rarely bluffs.
Why poker styles matter
Each style has strengths and weaknesses. Knowing your own style and recognizing your opponents' patterns gives you a huge advantage. You can adapt by tightening up, being more aggressive or exploiting calling tendencies.
You can check your own style here: Poker Style Checker
FAQ: Poker Playing Styles
What is a nit in poker?
A nit is a very tight player who avoids big pots without strong hands.
What is TAG?
TAG (Tight Aggressive) is a solid and profitable poker style used by many winning players.
What is LAG?
LAG (Loose Aggressive) players use wide ranges and pressure to exploit opponents.
What is a calling station?
A calling station calls too much, reaches many showdowns and rarely bluffs.