30 Nov 2025 Intermediate This material is for medium-skilled players exploit LAG Loose poker tables can be very profitable if you know how to adjust your strategy correctly. But at the same time, if you do not make the right changes, these tables can also be dangerous. Your results can become more swingy, and your decisions can become harder. In this article, we look at two different types of loose tables in No-Limit Texas Hold’em. We also discuss how to adjust your strategy to beat them. It is important to understand that not all loose tables are the same. The main difference comes from how players behave: loose-passive or loose-aggressive. You will learn how to identify the table type quickly by using the statistics shown in the lobby of most online poker rooms. After that, we discuss how to adjust your starting hand ranges and how to change your preflop decisions. What Is a Loose Table? The term “loose” describes players who enter many pots preflop. The more hands they play, the looser they are. When several loose players sit together at one table, many pots become multiway, at least on the early streets. Here it becomes important to separate loose-passive players from loose-aggressive players. Loose-passive tables often include many players who like to limp and call preflop with a wide range of hands. These situations create many small pots with many players involved. Loose-aggressive tables are different. Players at these tables like to raise and re-raise. They build large pots with fewer players. Note: Loose-aggressive tables can be very profitable if you adjust your strategy correctly. These two types of loose tables require two different strategic approaches. That is why you must first identify the type of table before you sit down. Using Lobby Statistics to Identify the Table Type Most online poker lobbies show two important numbers. These are the “average percentage of players seeing the flop” and the “average pot size.” Loose tables usually show 40% to 60% players seeing the flop. Loose-aggressive tables usually have a much higher average pot size than loose-passive tables. Basic Strategies at Loose Tables Your strategy for loose tables depends on the aggression level of the players. We divide it into two main parts: Playing loose-passive tables Playing loose-aggressive tables Strategy for Loose-Passive Tables Your adjustments at loose-passive tables depend on how often players call preflop raises. These players usually have a big gap between the hands they limp and call with, and the hands they raise with. Passive players are more likely to call than to raise. Because of this, you must be careful when you call their raises. A raise from a passive player usually means a strong hand. At passive tables you will face fewer re-raises (3-bets) preflop. This means you can limp behind with hands that have good implied odds, such as small pocket pairs and suited connectors. These hands perform very well in multiway pots. If you hit a big hand on the flop, do not scare your opponents with big raises. On a dry and safe board, choose bet sizes that they are likely to call. Your goal is to build the pot slowly and get maximum value. The main downside of loose-passive tables is that it is difficult to build big pots. Premium pairs should be played with strong raises preflop. A small raise may invite several loose players to call with speculative hands. If the flop comes dangerous in a multiway pot, even become hard to play. The best strategy for loose-passive tables is tight-aggressive play, with occasional limps using hands with strong implied odds. Strategy for Loose-Aggressive Tables Playing loose-aggressive tables is completely different. Small pocket pairs and suited connectors should only be played when you close the action preflop. From early position you must fold these hands, because aggressive tables create many raises and re-raises. Premium pairs must also be played aggressively, but for different reasons than at passive tables. Here the goal is to build the pot preflop, ideally heads-up. The high chance of facing a re-raise (or even a 4-bet shove) makes these hands very profitable. Your postflop plan also depends on how aggressive the table is. Loose-passive players often like to call with drawing hands, even weak draws such as gutshots. You must bet big with made hands to deny them correct odds. Loose-passive players usually bet only when their draw hits. This helps you save money with second-best hands and fold early when you are behind. At loose-passive tables you also get many free cards for your own draws, because these players often check instead of betting. Because they call so often, semi-bluffs lose value. It is better to check back with your draws. Loose-aggressive tables work differently. You will rarely get a free card with your draws. Aggressive players often bet regardless of whether they hit or missed the flop. Position becomes extremely important. Even aggressive players are more likely to check the turn after you call their flop bet. This gives you a chance to see a free turn card and hit your draw on the river. Your Table Image at Loose Tables Your image and previous actions also influence your strategy. If you have been playing loose-aggressive poker, resist the temptation to check with a monster hand. There are two reasons: Observant players will see something suspicious if you suddenly check in a spot where you normally bet. You will miss a chance to build the pot early, and your future bets will be smaller. Conclusion To beat loose tables, you must adjust your game both to loose-passive and loose-aggressive opponents. The same hands must often be played differently depending on how loose your opponents are. Your position and your table image also play a big role in your overall winning strategy. Loose tables can be very profitable. But to win consistently, you must understand the dynamics of each type of table and make the right strategic adjustments.
