Bloggers / Matthew Pitt / 16 March 2009 / Leave a comment

One of the most boring players you will come up against at the poker tables, both real and virtual, are the ones who play a Tight-Passive style.

"By displaying controlled aggression against tight-passive players, you can push them off pots, even if you do not have a legitimate hand."

Often referred to as Weak-Tight or Rocks, the tight-passive player will have strict starting hand requirements but will rarely show any aggression, either pre or post-flop. Due to the lack of aggression, a tight-passive player may flop the winning hand but will fail to extract maximum value from it.

If a rock enters the pot for a raise, it usually means they have a premium pair or possibly Big Slick (AK), although some weak-tight players are that passive, they will limp everything barring a pair of Aces so be warned! On the rare occasion that a tight-passive player three-bets, then I would be willing to bet my bankroll they have AA or KK, usually edging on the side of AA.

To combat a rock, I usually like to open up my range and will play a wide selection of hands that can hit the flop well, especially suited connectors and small to mid-pocket pairs. If you flop a set against a rock and you size your bets correctly, you can expect to be paid off, especially if they are holding an overpair to the board.

By displaying controlled aggression against tight-passive players, you can push them off pots, even if you do not have a legitimate hand. Unlike their tight-aggressive cousins, the weak-tight are almost looking for a reason to fold their hand and suffer from monsters under the bed syndrome, i.e. they always think the flush or straight just hit you or if the board pairs you just HAVE to have the full house!

As a result you should bluff tight-passive players liberally, especially on draw heavy boards such as three to a straight or flush. Always be wary if you are called though, as this is usually a sign you are behind and if you are raise then the rock usually has you crushed. Bluff to your hearts content but always be aware of when you have to wind your neck back in!

Ideally, you will be seated to the immediate right to a tight-passive player as this will allow you to steal his blinds at will as he will rarely defend them, and when he does you can always see a flop and try to outplay him, knowing his has a very narrow range.

Whilst rocks can be frustrating to play against as they will often check-call all the way to the river with massive hands, similar to the loose-passive or calling stations, they will be profitable to play against in the long run but expect small, frequent wins from them instead of one lump sum.

Related Entries

Consequences of Position in Poker - Marcus Bateman
The Squeeze Play - Matthew Pitt
Heads Up Sit and Goes: Balance - Marcus Bateman
Changing Gears - Marcus Bateman

Crack some rocks at Betfair Poker