What Does Reg Mean in Poker?
A “Reg” (short for “regular”) is a player who frequently plays at the same stakes, table, or poker room—online or live. These players are often experienced, understand the meta-game, and are familiar with the tendencies of others in the same pool. While not all Regs are pros, most are solid, disciplined players who consistently grind the game.
When You Might Hear or Use the Term “Reg”
The term “Reg” commonly comes up in discussions about:
- Table selection and game difficulty (“This table’s full of Regs”)
- Player notes or HUD tags (“That guy’s a tight Reg”)
- Evaluating a player’s tendencies and adjusting strategy accordingly
In-Game Example
“John is a Reg at the 2/5 No-Limit Hold’em game. He’s played thousands of hands at that stake and knows how most of the pool plays. He adjusts his lines to exploit recreational players and avoids big pots with fellow Regs.”
Strategy & Tips for Playing Against Regs
- Best Practice: Observe their tendencies over time. Regs often settle into patterns—use this knowledge to your advantage.
- Common Mistake: Assuming Regs are always top-level players. Many are solid but beatable with the right adjustments.
- Pro Tip: Mix in unexpected lines (e.g., donk bets, delayed cbets) to throw off Regs who rely on database-driven assumptions or HUD reads.
Live vs Online Regs
- Live Games: Regs are often known by name and develop reputations over time. You may pick up physical tells and table talk habits.
- Online Games: Regs rely on stats, player pool knowledge, and tracking tools. HUDs are key to spotting Reg-style play (e.g., tight preflop ranges, low VPIP/PFR gaps).
Want to sharpen your game against online Regs? Consider joining a reputable online poker site to get more experience.
Types of Regs
- TAG Reg (Tight-Aggressive): Plays few hands but applies pressure when involved.
- LAG Reg (Loose-Aggressive): Plays more hands with a wider range, often tough to play against.
- Nitty Reg: Overly tight and easy to exploit by stealing blinds or bluffing missed boards.
Who Counts as a Reg?
A Reg isn’t just anyone who plays regularly—it’s a player who:
- Shows up consistently at the same stakes
- Demonstrates solid, repeatable fundamentals
- Knows how to exploit weaker players and avoid marginal spots
Alternative Names
- Grinder
- Regular
Glossary of Related Terms
- VPIP: Voluntarily Put Money In Pot – helps identify tight vs loose Regs.
- PFR: Pre-Flop Raise – often high in aggressive Regs.
- HUD: Heads-Up Display that shows opponent stats during online play.
- Player Pool: The group of players regularly active at a given stake or game.
FAQs
Q: How can I identify a Reg at my table?
A: Look for players who appear frequently, play tight or balanced ranges, and rarely make wild mistakes.
Q: Are Regs always the best players at the table?
A: No. Many Regs are competent but exploitable. Don’t assume someone is unbeatable just because they play often.
Q: Can I become a Reg without being a pro?
A: Yes. Many Regs are recreational players with solid fundamentals who play regularly in their free time.
