I explained the acronyms in a previous post found here
But here is more for you @Doon101
I won’t elaborate on all the different terms, there are many, some feel that the poker pro’s language used throughout every article I have ever read, may be offensive, some of the other acronyms used seem derogatory to those that don’t study poker theories, GTO, or exploitative play. I won’t list those; I think NIT is pushing that boundary already, even though it’s a compliment it sounds like an insult.
Here is the basic set,
There are three basic types of good poker players:
- NITs (Really Tight Players)
- TAGs (Tight Aggressive Players)
- LAGs (Loose Aggressive Players)
NITs
NITs can be categorized as the scrooges of poker. They are very risk-averse and only play the very best-of-the-best starting hands pre-flop. Additionally, they will usually only get involved in big pots post-flop with a very strong hand. Most NITs play a very tight and aggressive style of poker and will play fit-or-fold post-flop, meaning they will only continue with a hand post-flop if they have hit a strong hand or very strong draw. Always be aware of NITs when they are betting because this usually means they have a very strong hand or draw; NITs are not known to bluff.
TAGs
Tight aggressive opponents, commonly referred to as TAGs, are your typical good poker player opponent type. Most poker books, video training series, and coaches advocate a TAG-style approach to the game for beginning poker players. Why? Because the TAG approach and style of poker is time-tested and works. A TAG will play a tight range of starting poker hands, but not nearly as tight as an NIT; moreover, a TAG will play their hands pre-flop and post-flop in an aggressive fashion, raising and re-raising against weaker opponents.
Most TAGs are very difficult to play against because they are competent poker players and skilled in all aspects of the game. Unlike most NITs, a TAG is also capable of bluffing in opportune spots. A TAG doesn’t need a made or strong poker hand to bet and be aggressive, which makes them difficult to play against.
LAGs
Good loose-aggressive opponents, commonly referred to as LAGs, are arguably the toughest type of poker player to play against. Moreover, the LAG-style of play, if implemented properly, is the most profitable style of poker.
LAGs are tougher to play against than TAGs because they play a wider range of hands than TAGs and bluff more often. Additionally, they will fight for most of the pots they are in and are fearless opponents. While NITs are risk-averse, LAGs do not fear risky situations; they embrace them. When a LAG is in a hand, they put pressure on their opponents, not afraid to bluff and re-raise with the worst hand in the right spots.
GTO
stands for Game Theory Optimal, and is a poker strategy that aims to maximize long-term profit by making the most profitable decisions based on a set of variables and cards. GTO is considered the ideal strategy for no-limit holdem, as it aims to make players unexploitable to their opponents and improve their win rate.