Classifying players in 6-max No-Limit Hold’em (NLH) into 10 distinct categories is a great way to simplify and analyze their tendencies. Using colors as labels makes it visually intuitive. Below is a suggested classification system based on common player types and their behaviors:
1. Red: Loose Aggressive (LAG)
- Description: Plays too many hands and bets/raises aggressively.
- Tendencies: High VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money In Pot), high aggression factor, often bluffs.
- How to Adjust: Play tighter, value-bet more, and trap them with strong hands.
2. Blue: Tight Aggressive (TAG)
- Description: Plays fewer hands but is aggressive with strong ranges.
- Tendencies: Low VPIP, high PFR (Pre-Flop Raise), balanced post-flop play.
- How to Adjust: Avoid marginal spots, respect their raises, and exploit their tightness by stealing blinds.
3. Green: Passive Fish (Calling Station)
- Description: Calls too much and rarely takes the initiative.
- Tendencies: High VPIP, low aggression, loves to call bets.
- How to Adjust: Value-bet relentlessly, avoid bluffing, and extract maximum value.
4. Yellow: Nit (Ultra-Tight Passive)
- Description: Plays very few hands and rarely bluffs.
- Tendencies: Extremely low VPIP, only bets with premium hands.
- How to Adjust: Steal their blinds frequently, avoid bluffing, and fold to their aggression.
5. Purple: Maniac (Hyper-Aggressive)
- Description: Bets and raises constantly, often without regard for hand strength.
- Tendencies: Extremely high aggression, unpredictable, bluffs excessively.
- How to Adjust: Play tight, let them hang themselves, and call down with strong hands.
6. Orange: Recreational Player (Whale)
- Description: Inexperienced, makes big mistakes, and plays for fun.
- Tendencies: High VPIP, erratic betting patterns, often overvalues hands.
- How to Adjust: Play straightforwardly, target them for big pots, and avoid fancy plays.
7. Pink: Balanced Reg (Solid Regular)
- Description: Competent player with a balanced strategy.
- Tendencies: Moderate VPIP, balanced aggression, adjusts well.
- How to Adjust: Play cautiously, mix up your strategy, and avoid predictable patterns.
8. Gray: Rock (Super Nit)
- Description: Extremely tight and predictable, only plays premium hands.
- Tendencies: Very low VPIP, rarely bluffs, folds often.
- How to Adjust: Steal their blinds relentlessly, avoid confrontations, and fold to their rare aggression.
9. Teal: Aggressive Reg (Thinking Player)
- Description: Aggressive and capable of adjusting to opponents.
- Tendencies: Moderate VPIP, high PFR, uses bluffs and balanced ranges.
- How to Adjust: Play exploitatively, mix up your play, and avoid being predictable.
10. Black: Unknown (Unclassified)
- Description: New or unobserved player with no clear tendencies.
- Tendencies: Unknown VPIP, PFR, or aggression.
- How to Adjust: Play cautiously until you gather more information, then classify them.
| Player Type | Description | Tendencies | How to Adjust |
|---|---|---|---|
Loose Aggressive (LAG) |
Plays too many hands and bets/raises aggressively. | High VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money In Pot), high aggression factor, often bluffs. | Play tighter, value-bet more, and trap them with strong hands. |
Tight Aggressive (TAG) |
Column 2 Value 2 | Column 3 Value 2 | Column 4 Value 2 |
Passive Fish (Calling Station) |
Column 2 Value 3 | Column 3 Value 3 | Column 4 Value 3 |
Nit (Ultra-Tight Passive) |
Column 2 Value 4 | Column 3 Value 4 | Column 4 Value 4 |
Maniac (Hyper-Aggressive) |
Column 2 Value 5 | Column 3 Value 5 | Column 4 Value 5 |
Recreational Player (Whale) |
Column 2 Value 6 | Column 3 Value 6 | Column 4 Value 6 |
Balanced Reg (Solid Regular) |
Column 2 Value 7 | Column 3 Value 7 | Column 4 Value 7 |
Rock (Super Nit) |
Column 2 Value 8 | Column 3 Value 8 | Column 4 Value 8 |
Aggressive Reg (Thinking Player) |
Column 2 Value 9 | Column 3 Value 9 | Column 4 Value 9 |
