In the world of online poker, various apps and platforms aim to keep the game fast-paced and exciting. One method used is implementing a VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money in Pot) requirement, which essentially forces players to play a minimum number of hands. While this can add some adrenaline to the experience, it can also lead to poor decision-making if not handled carefully. The key is learning how to stay strategic while navigating these requirements, especially when you’re playing for the long term.
In this article, we’ll explore how to master forced VPIP requirements without letting them negatively affect your game. By understanding when to take advantage of the situation and when to step away, you can turn a seemingly restrictive rule into an opportunity to improve your play.
Understanding VPIP and Why It Matters
Before diving into the effects of forced VPIP requirements, it’s essential to understand what VPIP means in the first place. VPIP stands for “Voluntarily Put Money in Pot,” which is a statistic that measures how often a player enters a pot by calling or raising (as opposed to folding). It’s one of the most critical stats in poker, especially in online games, because it provides insight into a player’s style and tendencies.
For example:
- A low VPIP (under 15%) indicates a player who only plays premium hands and is tight and cautious.
- A high VPIP (above 40%) means the player is entering pots often, usually with a wide range of hands.
Players with a high VPIP are generally more aggressive and take more risks, while low VPIP players are more conservative and selective with their hands.
Why does VPIP matter? Because by understanding your opponents’ VPIP, you can predict their behavior more accurately. High VPIP players are more likely to bluff, chase draws, and overplay weak hands, while low VPIP players tend to only get involved with strong hands. As a result, knowing the VPIP tendencies of those at your table helps you adjust your strategy.
NLH Tables generally have a VPIP of 20 – 25% while PLO have +30% VPIP. Try to stay around the minimum VPIP without getting kicked, but if you do get kicked, it may be a good thing. We will explore this idea below.
Forced VPIP Requirements in Online Poker Apps
Many online poker apps now enforce a VPIP requirement. This rule forces players to play a certain number of hands or face being removed from the table. The rationale behind this rule is to keep the game dynamic and avoid situations where players sit back, fold constantly, and slow down the pace. For some, this adds excitement to the game, but for others, it creates pressure to act more aggressively than they would in a standard poker scenario.
The problem with forced VPIP is that it can lure players into playing hands they wouldn’t normally consider, simply to avoid being kicked off the table. If a player is afraid of folding too often, they may play suboptimal hands, which can lead to losses. This tension can cloud a player’s judgment and lead them away from sound poker strategy.
Adapting to Forced VPIP: The Mental Shift
So, how do you handle these forced VPIP rules? The key lies in making a mental shift that allows you to play your game without being unduly influenced by the app’s constraints. Here are some essential points to consider:
Don’t Let VPIP Requirements Dictate Your Play
Just because you need to meet a VPIP requirement doesn’t mean you should start playing weak hands. It’s important to stick to your overall strategy, even if it means risking being removed from the table. The more hands you play that don’t fit within your standard range, the more likely you are to lose chips. Don’t let the pressure to meet a VPIP minimum override your decision-making process.
Variance is Part of the Game
Variance refers to the short-term ups and downs of poker that are inevitable, no matter how well you play. Sometimes the cards just won’t fall your way, and that’s okay. Adapting to variance means understanding that you won’t win every session or make money every time you sit down. This becomes especially relevant with forced VPIP requirements. If you aren’t getting the right cards or the table dynamic isn’t in your favor, it’s better to stick to your guns and accept the variance rather than force plays you know are suboptimal.
Kicked Out? Consider It a Win
While it may seem counterintuitive, getting kicked out of a game because you didn’t meet the VPIP requirement can actually be a win. If you’re playing against a table of aggressive players and you’re card dead (meaning you aren’t being dealt good hands), it might be better to leave the table. When you’re not getting the cards, and the action isn’t working in your favor, staying in just for the sake of VPIP can be costly. In such cases, getting removed can save you from losing even more.
Remember Variance is a real thing. Many poker pros have bad days, weeks, and even years. It’s important to minimize losses and know when it’s just not your day to win. Having the strength to walk away from the table will scale your earnings.
Exploiting High VPIP Players
One of the best ways to turn the forced VPIP rule to your advantage is by exploiting players who are complying with it. Here’s how you can do that:
Identify the High VPIP Players
Players who are trying to meet the VPIP requirement will often play too many hands and with weaker holdings. These players are easy to spot because they’ll be involved in almost every pot, making raises or calls with hands that don’t make sense in most situations. Pay close attention to their frequency of participation and adjust accordingly.
Capitalizing on Loose Play
Once you’ve identified players who are chasing the VPIP requirement, the next step is to capitalize on their loose play. These players will frequently overplay marginal hands, chase draws that aren’t profitable, and bluff more often. By tightening up your own strategy and focusing on premium hands, you can take advantage of their mistakes. Make sure to play hands from strong positions (like the button or cutoff), where you can control the action.
Patience Pays Off
In a table full of high VPIP players, the temptation might be to join in the fun and loosen up your own play. Resist this. While it might seem like the whole table is constantly raising and calling, patience pays off. Stick to your tight and disciplined approach, and only play strong hands. You’ll often find that your opponents will call you down with weaker holdings, allowing you to take down larger pots.
How to Maintain a Low VPIP and Stay Safe
On the flip side, there are ways to keep your VPIP low while still complying with the app’s requirements. Here are a few strategies:
Focus on Position
Position is one of the most critical factors in poker. When you’re in a late position (closer to the dealer button), you have more information on how your opponents have acted. Use this advantage to your benefit. When you have position, you can widen your range slightly to meet the VPIP requirement without exposing yourself to high risk.
Play Premium Hands
The easiest way to ensure you meet the VPIP requirement without playing bad hands is to stick to premium starting hands. Hands like pocket pairs, AK, AQ, and suited connectors can still keep your play tight and profitable, while also helping you comply with the app’s rules.
Fold Often
Remember that folding is a critical part of good poker. Even when you feel the pressure to play more hands, it’s important to fold often and wait for the right spots. Folding helps keep your bankroll intact and allows you to wait for premium hands.
Conclusion: Play for the Long Run
Ultimately, poker is a game of patience and long-term thinking. While forced VPIP requirements may push players to play more hands than they would normally, it’s essential not to let these rules compromise your strategy. Stick to your disciplined approach, focus on premium hands, and take advantage of opponents who are overcompensating to meet their own VPIP requirements.
By remaining focused and not allowing the requirements to force you into poor decision-making, you can turn this potential disadvantage into an edge at the table. Remember, if you’re ever removed from the table for low VPIP, take it as a sign that it wasn’t the right table for you that day. There’s always another game and another opportunity to stay profitable in the long run.
