Identifying Player Leaks

Definition

A leak is a consistent mistake in a player's strategy that costs them money. Identifying leaks allows you to exploit them for profit.

Find the pattern, exploit the pattern, profit from the pattern

Major Leak Categories

Leak Type	Description	Exploit
Folds too much	Gives up easily	Bluff more
Calls too much	Can't fold	Value bet more
Too aggressive	Bets/raises too often	Trap and call down
Too passive	Checks/calls too much	Value bet thin, bluff less

Quick Identification Guide

Preflop Leaks

Observation	Leak	Notes
Plays 40%+ hands	Too loose	Plays junk
Plays <15% hands	Too tight	Only premiums
Never 3-bets	Passive preflop	Easy to outplay
3-bets 15%+	Too aggressive	Trap with premiums

Postflop Leaks

Observation	Leak	Notes
Folds to 70%+ c-bets	Overfolder	Bluff flops
Never folds to c-bet	Calling station	Don't bluff, value bet
Bets every street	Overbluffer	Call down light
Only bets with value	Passive/honest	Fold to bets

Key Stats to Watch (HUD or Notes)

Stat	Optimal Range	Too Low	Too High
VPIP	22-28%	Nit	Fish
PFR	18-24%	Passive	Maniac
3-Bet	6-10%	Never bluffs	Overbluffs
Fold to C-Bet	40-50%	Station	Overfolder
WTSD	25-30%	Folds too much	Calls too much

Behavioral Tells

Behavior	Possible Leak
Snap calls	Draws or marginal made hands
Long tanks then calls	Borderline calls (weak)
Min-bets often	Weak/scared money
Overbets frequently	Polarized or bluff-heavy

Building Opponent Profiles

Take notes during sessions:

Info to Record	Why
Showdown hands	See what they play
Unusual lines	Remember deviations
Bet sizing patterns	Sizing tells
Reaction to pressure	Fold or fight?

Key Takeaway

Leaks are patterns that cost money. Look for extremes—too tight, too loose, too aggressive, too passive. The bigger the leak, the more you can exploit. Always observe, always take notes.