![poker aggression poker copilot poker aggression poker copilot](https://www.macobserver.com/imgs/tmo_articles/20100930pokercopilotscreen.png)
A very strong propositional hand – one that is more likely to win with a straight or a flush – is one of the hands that can be played for effect with an aggressive style. Very strong starting hands should be played very aggressively most of the time. Aggression is called for in particular circumstances. Loose players may play passively, resulting in a calling station, while tight players may play aggressively, referred to as a TAG. Aggressive play should not be confused with loose play.
![poker aggression poker copilot poker aggression poker copilot](http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jOiohe7cXCA/T3XM_5XuyoI/AAAAAAAAA-w/1PGYoEQyMws/Screen%252520Shot%2525202012-03-30%252520at%2525205.00.18%252520PM.png)
Most theorists, like David Sklansky and Doyle Brunson, suggest aggression as an important tool. The appropriate amount of aggression can be computed using game theory, and depends on the game being played and the tendencies of the opponents. If a player is not aggressive with his weaker hands, the opponents can safely fold whenever the player does bet or raise. A player who is constantly aggressive and plays many inferior hands is called a "maniac", and skilled players will take advantage of him by calling him more often, using isolation plays, and by other means. While it is true that aggressive play is generally superior to passive play, using any play exclusively can lead to predictability. In general, opponents must respond to aggressive play by playing more loosely, which offers more opportunities to make mistakes. It is said that "aggression has its own value", meaning that often aggressive plays can make money with weak hands because of bluff value. In the game of poker, opens and raises are considered aggressive plays, while calls and checks are considered passive (though a check-raise would be considered a very aggressive play). JSTOR ( June 2009) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message).Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources.