POKER SKILLS: Using Player's Aggression Against Them

by Scott Paterson

In Harrington on Hold’em, Dan Harrington talks about
two defensive strategies that can be used to combat
very aggressive players. These are “The Hammer”
and “The Rope-a-Dope”.

“The Hammer” is a preflop move used against very
aggressive players that raise with trash hoping to steal
the blinds and antes. These players are not looking for
an expensive confrontation, and since their starting hand
requirements are probably lower than yours the proper
move is to reraise or backraise them. Occasionally you’ll
find yourself in a world of hurt, but usually they’ll let their
hand go. This move takes intestinal fortitude, but if you
don’t try it once in a while the aggressive player will
run over the table. This move is also highly effective
against loose players that like to limp in with trash
hoping to flop big hands.

NOTE: You probably want some kind of hand to do
this with in case it goes to the flop.

“The Rope-a-Dope” is a postflop move that can be
employed when a very aggressive player has position
on you. Check when you flop a strong hand, let them bet,
and just call. Repeat after the turn comes. After the river
comes, check to them, let them bet, and then raise.
Always keep in mind that although your hand might not
appear that strong it probably is because the very
aggressive player is playing weaker than average hands.