Different playing styles can be capitalized on by women to be successful poker players. This article will discuss how an aggressive style can be very effective at the poker tables.

To have an aggressive style means playing hands strongly by betting and raising; a passive style means you do more checking and calling. In general, an aggressive style is more effective at the poker table than a passive one. The reasons this is so, is because it gives you a bigger edge to win. When you bet or raise with a hand, the more likely your opponents will fold. This strategy serves two purposes, on the one hand your opponent may throw away a hand that doesn't have you beat at the moment but that could beat you on a future draw; on the other, your opponent may actually throw away a hand that has you beat.

How aggressive your play is, depend on your particular demeanor; you may choose to play many hands and bet and raise with very weak cards or you may be much more selective about your starting hand but once involved play them stronger by betting and raising with every turn. This is the strategy used by many good poker players; a style referred to as "selectively aggressive."  By being selectively aggressive you generally play above average starting hands but play them strongly. They are selective about the hands they play, but once involved in the pot they will be meek by checking and calling but rather bet and raise with their hand.

Women tend to play a more passive style then men; if only by the nature of their gender, men are more aggressive. Women can use this to their advantage however, if a woman holds a very strong hand, she may want to play it passively and allow her male opponents to put money in the pot. By playing passively, you can deceive them into thinking you hand is weak and they may bet anticipating you will fold your hand.

If you are playing a loose game where players call with weak hands, you will do better by going aggressive style. Being successful at poker is being able to change styles and this is determined by the type of players you are up against. So if you are playing against players who will bluff often, you may choose to play passively. If you are playing against players who will only bet if they have good hands, you may want to bet your own hand.

Women who play regularly with men should think about how they are perceived, and then be deceptive in playing a style that suits the game. Obviously, not all men think or play alike; if you want to have good results at the poker table, watch how people play and listen to what they say.

By paying attention to how your opponents play you will have a better chance of determining what style to use against them. Be aware of what your tendencies are and make an effort to experiment with the different styles. By purposely changing gears it will be harder for your opponents to read you and you will become a better player in the long run.