Poker Player Types – Simple Version

In this installment of the ACR Pros Playbook, we’re taking a step back from solvers and deep theory to focus on a skill every poker player needs: opponent profiling.

ACR Pro Drew Gonzalez breaks down the four player archetypes you’ll run into at nearly every table—and how to adjust your game for maximum edge. If you’ve ever wondered how to exploit a Calling Station or trap a Maniac, this quick-hitting guide is for you.

If poker had a zoo, it’d be full of strange and wonderful creatures. Some are timid. Some are wild. Some just really like to call with second pair…

Hello, my name is Drew Gonzalez a.k.a “BetOnDrew” and I’ve been a team pro with ACR Poker since 2021.  I’ve earned millions playing poker tournaments, and I’m here today to help you get better at playing versus different player types.

Knowing what “species” of poker player you’re up against is key to crushing the game. So let’s break down four common poker player types, and how to play against them.

1. The Rock (tight player)

Style: Tight-passive. Basically allergic to action unless they’ve got aces or kings (maybe ace-king).

Tell: Folds a lot. Suddenly wakes up with a raise? Run.

How to beat ’em: Steal their blinds like a thief in the night. Bet when they check. And if they are betting big or raise, sound the alarm — they’ve probably got the nuts.

2. The Calling Station (a.k.a. “Can’t Fold, Won’t Fold”)

Style: Loose-passive. Calls everything. Raises nothing.

Tell: Will chase a gutshot like it owes them money.

How to beat ’em: Value bet until your arm gets tired (or your mouse finger falls asleep). Don’t bluff, seriously, save your energy (and your chips). If you’ve got top pair or better, fire away. They’ll pay you off with middle pair and a prayer.

3. The Maniac (a.k.a. The “Donkey”)

Style: Loose-aggressive. Loud, fast, chaotic. Possibly caffeinated.

Tell: Bets every street like it’s the World Series of YOLO. No consistency with their style, just aggression, and an uncanny ability to have you saying “what the…?”

How to beat ’em: Let them hang themselves. You don’t need to out-crazy them (you can try if you want haha), just wait for a real hand and watch the fireworks. Be patient. Trap them. Call down lighter than usual. You’ll feel like a genius when they shove queen-high into your top pair (hopefully it’s not me shoving in this case lol).

4. The Grinder (a regular)

Style: Tight-aggressive. Plays solid, bets are consistent, and has studied the game.

Tell: Tougher to get a read on this player, so you gotta pay close attention to their tendencies. One thing is for sure, they won’t be going on any wild adventures like the Maniac.

How to beat ’em: Grinders respect aggression – so use it against them. Float the flop, then pounce if they slow down. Semi-bluff more. They’ll fold to pressure unless they’re holding something real. Just don’t go too crazy, they can adjust and may start trapping.

One Last Helpful Note…

People don’t always stay in one box. A Rock can turn into a Maniac after a few bad beats. A Calling Station might suddenly learn how to raise. So keep watching. Keep adapting. And most of all — enjoy the game. After all, half the fun is figuring out who you’re playing… and the other half is crushing them! Good luck.