How do you adjust your range when facing a loose-aggressive (LAG) player?

How do you adjust your range when facing a loose-aggressive (LAG) player?

Correct Answer: B. Tighten your range and play more aggressively with strong hands (Correct)

Explanation:

When facing a loose-aggressive (LAG) player, you need to adjust your strategy to exploit their frequent and aggressive betting. LAG players play a wide range of hands and apply constant pressure through raises and re-raises. To counter this, you should tighten your own range to include only strong hands and play those hands aggressively. This allows you to maximize value when you have the best hand and take advantage of the LAG player’s loose range.

Example to Illustrate the Concept:

Scenario:

• Table Setup: A nine-player Texas Hold’em game.
• You: Are in the cutoff position.
• Opponent: A LAG player raises from middle position to 3 big blinds.

Your Strategy:

1. Tighten Your Range:
   • Strong Hands: Focus on playing high-equity hands that perform well against the LAG player’s wide range.
   • Example Hands: Aces (A♠️ A♦️), Kings (K♠️ K♦️), Queens (Q♠️ Q♦️), Ace-King suited (A♠️ K♠️), Ace-Queen suited (A♠️ Q♠️)
2. Play Aggressively with Strong Hands:
   • Re-Raise with Premium Hands: When you have a strong hand, re-raise (3-bet) the LAG player to isolate them and build the pot.
   • Example Decision:

Practical Example:

• Facing a LAG Player:
  • You have A♠️ K♠️ in the Cutoff:
    • LAG Player in Middle Position: Raises to 3 big blinds.
    • Decision: Re-raise (3-bet) to 9 big blinds.
    • Purpose: By tightening your range and 3-betting with a strong hand like A♠️ K♠️, you put pressure on the LAG player and often force them to fold their weaker hands. If they call, you have a strong hand to play post-flop.
• Example with Pocket Pairs:
  • You have Q♠️ Q♦️ in the Cutoff:
    • LAG Player in Middle Position: Raises to 3 big blinds.
    • Decision: Re-raise (3-bet) to 9 big blinds.
    • Purpose: Queens are a strong hand, and by re-raising, you isolate the LAG player and likely face their weaker range. If they call, you can continue to play aggressively on favorable flops.

Adjusted Range Breakdown:

• Strong Hands for Re-Raising (3-Betting):
  • Aces (A♠️ A♦️)
  • Kings (K♠️ K♦️)
  • Queens (Q♠️ Q♦️)
  • Ace-King suited (A♠️ K♠️)
  • Ace-Queen suited (A♠️ Q♠️)

Conclusion:

When facing a loose-aggressive (LAG) player, you should tighten your range and play more aggressively with your strong hands. This strategy allows you to take advantage of the LAG player’s wide and often weaker range. By re-raising with premium hands, you put pressure on the LAG player, often forcing them to fold or make costly mistakes with weaker hands. This approach helps you maximize value and control the action against aggressive opponents.