As you begin to play online poker you might start to notice that certain players at the table

approach the game with a distinct poker strategy.

Some players will fold often. Other players constantly make huge bets.

There will also be players who raise only when they have a great hand. Understanding these playing styles -

and discovering which poker strategy suits your personality -- will make you a better poker player.

Poker Playing Styles

A typical poker strategy involves one of these four playing styles: Tight-Aggressive, Loose-Aggressive, Tight-Passive and Loose-Passive.

A "tight" poker strategy means that very few hands are played. Tight players are known for raising on hands that have a very good chance of winning. A "loose" poker strategy involves playing a wide variety of hands. Loose players will play whether their starting hand is strong or weak.

When a player uses an "aggressive" poker strategy, they will frequently bet, raise or re-raise--often with a large number of chips.

A "passive" poker player frequently checks but barely raises an opponent's bet unless their hand is particularly strong.

Tight-Aggressive - these players participate in few hands, but will bet big and raise often when they think they have the best hand.

Loose-Aggressive - sometimes referred to as a "maniac" poker strategy, the Loose-Aggressive style plays almost every hand,

regardless of strength. This person will also bet and raise often.

Tight-Passive - this player plays only a few hands, and the hands that they do play will involve little betting, lots of checks, and few raises.

Loose-Passive - called the "Calling Station" poker strategy, this type of player will participate in a variety of starting hands. However,

after the starting hand this player will not raise or re-raise very often, if they do at all.

Generally, you should play with a poker strategy that feels comfortable to you. Some poker experts will tell you "aggressive" is

the only way to win, but if you are not comfortable at the table, you will not win with any poker strategy.

As you continue to play poker, your game will most likely evolve into a playing style which works best for you, often adapting

depending upon how many people are at the table and other factors. While you should always be aware of your personal

playing style, as you become more experienced, you will start to notice your competitors' styles based on how they play their hands.

The knowledge that comes through observation often gives you the best resources to craft your poker strategy