The inclusive nature of online poker, a game enjoyed by players around the world, means you’ll face several kinds of personalities, strategies, and skills. Some play tight, while others opt for a loose approach. Each style comes with its own set of benefits and risks. The best players are those who are able to combine the best of both worlds — with an emphasis on spontaneous play.

Unlike most online casino games (such as slots and roulette), live dealer casino games have the added element of opposition infused with the goal of beating your competitors (rather than the casino). This makes for exciting battles and the opportunity to face players of all skill levels. The trick is to separate the good from the bad and expose one’s game when given the chance. 

Here is an in-depth explanation of the ins and outs of a TAG poker strategy.

What Is TAG Poker Strategy?

When you hear the phrase TAG poker, its meaning isn’t obvious. The term TAG poker describes a tight-aggressive (TAG) strategy. This strategy involves playing a narrower range of strong starting hands (only about 20% of hands are considered viable in the TAG poker range), and adopting an aggressive betting style. It’s a smart and effective approach embraced by many players who’ve decided to learn how to play TAG poker due to how effective it is.

It’s regarded as one of the most overall-dominant strategies available, and is the perfect starting point for beginners. From here, you can identify what style resonates with your game and develop it. Remember, each player has their own way of doing things; it’s about finding out what approach you’re most comfortable with. For instance, some prefer playing conservatively and only engaging when they’re confident in their hand. In contrast, other players will adopt a loose approach and play aggressively.

Online poker for real money means you’re facing opponents who are just as eager to win. So, how do you separate yourself from the opposition? Through implementing strategies that complement your game.

In TAG poker, being “tight” means being selective with the hands you choose to play. Instead of playing every hand, TAG players exercise caution and focus on premium hands with better odds of winning — a great factor for effective bankroll management. This helps them steer clear of weaker hands that often lead to losses. 

On the other hand, the “aggressive” part of TAG strategy pertains to the way players bet. Once a TAG player decides to join a hand, they become assertive and make bold bets. This tactic has multiple aims: building a bigger pot, taking control of the game and applying pressure on opponents. By making aggressive bets, players can force their opponents into challenging decisions, potentially leading to mistakes and maximizing their own advantage.

Moreover, utilizing TAG strategy becomes pivotal during online poker tournaments. Here, the level of competition is stretched and you’re facing an array of different styles, strategies and personalities. With a TAG strategy, players are able to combat most moves due to its all-incorporating design.

A TAG poker strategy aims to increase profitability and overall success by combining tight hand selection and aggressive betting. It strikes a balance between playing fewer, stronger hands and taking calculated risks to gain control and outmaneuver opponents. The strategy’s goal to maximize profitability and longevity has proven popular amongst poker’s elite.

Similar to the TAG strategy is a loose-aggressive (LAG) approach. The LAG strategy involves a wider range of hands but just as much aggression. 

If you’re a fan of poker and bingo, you might notice certain similarities between the strategies used in bingo and poker that can be beneficial when incorporated into your game. While this comparison doesn’t encompass concepts like poker equity, it offers players the mental framework to maintain composure at the table. Seasoned players of both bingo and poker comprehend that winning every round is an unrealistic expectation.

How Do You Beat a TAG Strategy?

If you’ve played poker online games before, then you know that they can last several hours. This means patience is key. Throughout a game, each player often has their moment to maximize the pot, so you need to be on the lookout for your moment to strike. So, whether you’re being dealt your first or fiftieth Texas hold’em poker hand, it’s crucial that you’re always hyper-aware of your hand, opposition, and the community cards.

Regarding ways to overcome a TAG strategy, there are numerous avenues at your disposal. For instance, TAG players tend to play a limited range of strong hands. You can counteract this by widening your own hand range, like LAG players do. Maintaining a level of spontaneity in your betting is another effective way to keep your opponents guessing while forcing them into a mistake. With online poker, unpredictability is your biggest strength.

Identifying a player’s position on the table is another great tell of whether they’re betting with a strong hand. Why? Because players often bet more aggressively when playing from a late position as they have the last say.

Lastly, once you’ve identified a player adopting TAG poker strategy, it gives you the advantage of knowing the blueprint of how they’re going to bet. So, the next phase is about exploiting this predictability and being one step ahead.

If you’re playing in person, you may also be able to use body language to better understand what a player is thinking and what their next play might be. You may also be able to pick up patterns of play if you play for long enough with a specific player in person or online. However, smart players will intentionally try to mislead you using their body language or will try to be unpredictable when playing online, so be aware that this may not be the most reliable method for beating TAG play.

Put Your Skills to the Test on Borgata Online

Want to play poker online? Whether you’re a new player learning strategies for playing from the blinds or an expert player who understands all the ins-and-outs of the game, you can put your strategies and skills to the test at Borgata Online.

 When you play poker at Borgata Online, you can choose from many of the thrilling poker options that are available. From Texas Hold’em and Seven-Card Stud to Omaha, there’s a range of low- and high-stake tables available for you 24/7.

In addition to exciting poker titles, you can also enjoy access to other popular casino games such as blackjack, roulette, and slots. You can even wager on your favorite sports teams and athletes if you’re passionate about sports and enjoy online sports betting.

No matter how you like to gamble, you can register at Borgata Online to get in on the action.