Player types
How to play against a calling station
They call far more than they bet or raise, then show down weak pairs. Here is how to beat them.
Short answer
Value bet more and bluff less.
Value bet thinner, such as top pair with a weak kicker for 3 streets.
Cut most bluffs, above all on the turn and river.
Beating calling stations. Aced Pro lesson, 5 min.
How to spot one
Read They call far more than they bet or raise, then show down weak pairs.
Their VPIP (how often they put money in before the flop) is often 40 to 60%.
Their PFR (how often they raise before the flop) is often 3 to 10%.
Their leaks
- They tend to call too often on every street.
- They rarely fold a pair or a draw.
- They seldom bluff, so their bets and raises lean strong.
- They often think about their own hand more than yours.
Read A read on a type of player. Check it against the player in front of you.
How to adjust
- Value bet thinner, such as top pair with a weak kicker for 3 streets.
- Use bigger value sizes, around 75% to 100% of the pot.
- Cut most bluffs, above all on the turn and river.
- Isolate their limps with about 5bb against one limper. Add about 2bb for each extra limper.
- Fold one pair hands when they raise the turn or river.
Read A read on a type of player. Check it against the player in front of you.
Why big value bets work
Math A balanced player defends 50% of the time against a pot sized bet. Against a 75% pot bet the number is 57%.
Read A station calls far more often than that. So your value bets get paid more than the math expects.
The one mistake to avoid
Read Do not bluff the river with nothing. They tend to call with any pair.
FAQ
Questions players ask.
What is a calling station?
They call far more than they bet or raise, then show down weak pairs. They put money in about 40 to 60% of hands.
Should you bluff a calling station?
Rarely. Do not bluff the river with nothing. They tend to call with any pair.
How big should value bets be against a station?
Use bigger value sizes, around 75% to 100% of the pot.
Is this solver advice?
No. It is a read on a type of player. Check it against the player in front of you.
Practice this spot.
Aced Poker grades every decision and brings back the hands you miss.
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