Odds, equity and theory
Exploitative play in poker
Definition
Deviating from the balanced strategy to take advantage of a specific opponent's mistakes.
Against a player who folds too much you bluff more, and against one who calls too much you bluff less and value bet thinner. The better your read, the larger the gain.
The price of exploiting is exposure: if the opponent adjusts, a one-sided strategy can be turned against you.
Related terms
- GTO (Game Theory Optimal)A balanced strategy that cannot be exploited by any opponent strategy, derived from game theory.
- RangeThe full set of hands a player could have in a given situation, instead of one specific hand.
- Calling stationA passive player who calls bets with weak hands too often and rarely raises or folds.
- NitAn extremely tight and passive player who plays only a few strong hands and folds to pressure.