LAG or TAG

Introduction

In this article we will talk about the two styles of playing, loose-aggressive (LAG) and tight aggressive (TAG). We will reflect on the criteria, and the advantages and disadvantages of these basic, and hence often played, types of playing. They are shown and then compared to each other.

What is a LAG?

LAG means loose-aggressive. Loose refers to a style at which many hands are played preflop. Aggressive refers to an aggressive postflop-game.

A LAG typically has a VP$IP of 25% and a high aggression factor.

What is a TAG?

TAG stands for tight-aggressive. Tight refers to a style at which only few hands are played pre-flop. Just as the LAG, the TAG involves an aggressive postlop-game.

A typical TAG has a VP$IP below 25% and a high aggression factor.

Advantages and disadvantages of a LAG

Due to the rather loose range of a LAG, opponents tend to fold less frequently against a LAG than they would against a tight player. Consequently, the fold equity is minimized at actions like the continuation bet. At the same time, the average equity of a LAG on the flop is smaller than the average equity of a tight player due to the larger range. He oftentimes finds himself in marginal situations and frequently has to make difficult decisions.

This also signifies the advantage of a LAG, though. His opponents will try to steal the pot more often. He will generate more action with his hands, which is even better if he is holding a strong hand.

Advantages and disadvantages of a TAG

The tight and aggressive image of a TAG has two postflop consequences: With his tight pre-flop game, he is buying the opportunity to directly take the pot postflop. This is because most players believe he is holding a strong hand, which raises the chance of success of a continuation bet. Secondly, the TAG usually has a strong hand on the flop. This results in a high equity and can therefore resist subsequent opposing action.

This is also the disadvantage of a TAG, however. If a tight player hits a very strong hand, it usually does not pay off.

Which style is easier to play?

The TAG style is clearly easier to play. This happens because you are faced with less difficult postflop decision. If a TAG is on the flop, he usually holds an acceptable hand, and can then decide what to do with it on the flop at the latest. As a LAG you oftentimes play marginal hands, you are more involved in a hand, and you are hence faced with more difficult decisions which can be costly if made wrong.

That is why we suggest starting with a traditional TAG style (like it is introduced in the bronze section)!

Which style is more profitable?

We cannot explicitly answer this question. It strongly depends on your own strength and the table at which you are playing. A LAG is living off his reads and fold equity, which are oftentimes provided at the lower limits.

When can /should I switch from TAG to LAG?

Do not even think about changing your Poker style unless you are at least winning playing at NL 200. In addition, you should already be very good at reading opposing hands. If you are not able to do that, you will probably lose a lot of money.

It makes little sense to change a style over night. It is better to slowly become looser. Expand your range step by step and gradually get the feel for a looser style.

Concluding Words

Whether to play tightly or loosely should not be the decisive factor for your game. The postflop game is much more important. Play aggressively postflop, learn how to read your opponents, and learn how to find bad players and how to isolate them!

Once you have become a superior postflop player, you can then start to gradually become looser in your preflop game. Otherwise you will be faced with many difficult decisions which you will not be able to master. It is difficult to become a good TAG player, and it will take a while to become an expert. TAG is easier than other styles, but not easy by far.