Can you play too cautiously? That’s a question that winning players easily know the answer to, because they’ve learned that aggression is the most important thing about this game. There is a myth that exists in the minds of the recreational poker player – that playing tight is the best way to play. In fact it’s quite the opposite, and tight play should be reserved for specific situations where that sort of style will serve you best.

One place where it’s possible to play too cautiously is late in a tournament. That applies to any shorthanded situation, but more so in a tournament because of the large blinds. If you play too cautiously is this situation your opponents will just keep stealing pots and blinds on you, until they have a lead that is too big to come back against. It is gambling after all, get in there and play.