TAG Poker Style (Tight Aggressive)

The TAG (Tight Aggressive) style is the most common winning strategy in modern no-limit Texas Hold'em. TAG players are selective with starting hands but aggressive when they enter a pot. It's a solid, robust approach that works well in cash games and tournaments.

How TAGs play preflop

TAG players open a structured range that depends on position. They fold weak hands, avoid dominated trash and focus on hands that play well postflop: strong Broadways, decent suited connectors and pairs. They also 3-bet for value and occasionally light 3-bet when conditions are good.

How TAGs play postflop

Postflop, TAGs continuation bet frequently on good boards, barrel profitable turns and value bet thinly against weaker opponents. They don't like calling down with marginal hands, but they are not afraid to put money into the pot when ahead.

Common TAG leaks

• Overfolding to aggression in spots where population bluffs too much.
• Being too predictable with bet sizing and timing.
• Not defending blinds widely enough versus small opens.

How to exploit TAGs

Good TAGs are hard to exploit, but many players who call themselves TAG are actually too tight. You can attack them by:

• Stealing their blinds often, especially from the button.
• 3-betting more in position if they overfold preflop.
• Bluffing scare cards when their range is capped.

To see how TAG compares to nit, LAG, maniac and calling station, read the Poker Styles Guide. You can also take the Poker Style Test to check whether you are closer to TAG or another style.