Aggression Factor (AF) in poker is a statistic that measures a player’s aggressiveness by dividing their total aggressive actions (betting and raising) by their passive actions (calling). High AF indicates an aggressive player, while low AF suggests a more passive approach.
Aggression Factor (AF) is a statistic used in poker to quantify a player’s aggressiveness.
It’s calculated by dividing the total number of aggressive actions (betting and raising) by the total number of passive actions (calling).
Knowing a player’s AF can help in understanding their playing style and making better decisions against them.
Understanding AF
AF provides insight into how a player approaches the game. A high AF suggests a player is more likely to bet or raise rather than call, indicating an aggressive player.
Conversely, a low AF implies a player is more passive, preferring to call bets rather than initiate them.
Calculating AF
AF is calculated using the formula:
It’s important to note that AF does not include checking or folding since these actions are not considered in the calculation.
AF Ranges
- High AF (>3): Indicates an aggressive player.
- Moderate AF (1 to 3): Suggests a balanced player with a mix of aggression and caution.
- Low AF (<1): Indicates a passive player.
Applying AF in Poker Strategy
Understanding a player’s AF can significantly impact your strategy against them.
Against High AF Players
When facing a player with a high AF, it’s often beneficial to tighten your range and wait for strong hands, as these players tend to bluff more and can be exploited by letting them bet into your strong holdings.
Against Low AF Players
Against players with a low AF, expanding your betting and bluffing range can be effective since they’re more likely to call with weaker hands, allowing you to win more pots through aggression.
Practical Example
Let’s consider a hand to illustrate how AF might influence your decision-making. You’re holding K K and the flop comes A 7 2 .
A player with a high AF bets into you. Given their propensity for aggression, they could be betting with a wide range of hands, not just those containing an Ace. This knowledge might influence your decision to call or even raise, depending on additional reads.
Conclusion
Aggression Factor is a valuable statistic for any poker player looking to understand their opponents better. It offers insights into an opponent’s likely actions and allows for more informed decisions.
While AF is a useful tool, it’s essential to consider it alongside other statistics and reads to get a comprehensive view of an opponent’s style.
