Definition
A nit is an extremely tight player who only plays premium hands. They fold almost everything and only enter pots with very strong holdings.
Nit = Ultra-tight, plays only the absolute best hands
Identifying Nits
| Stat | Range |
|---|---|
| VPIP | 8-14% |
| PFR | 6-12% |
| 3-Bet | 2-4% |
| Fold to 3-Bet | 70-80%+ |
Nit Characteristics
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Only premiums | AA, KK, QQ, AK mainly |
| Folds everything else | Waits hours for a hand |
| Scared of losing | Risk-averse |
| Predictable | When they play, they have it |
Nit Hand Range (Typical)
| Position | Opening Range |
|---|---|
| Early | AA, KK, QQ, AK |
| Middle | JJ, TT, AQ added |
| Late | Maybe 99, AJ |
| Blinds | Still only premiums |
How to Exploit Nits
| Strategy | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| ✅ Steal blinds constantly | They fold 85%+ |
| ✅ 3-bet them light | They fold without AA/KK |
| ✅ Fold to their aggression | They always have it |
| ✅ Never pay them off | Save your money |
When a Nit Raises...
| Their Action | What They Have | Your Response |
|---|---|---|
| Open raise | Top 10% | Fold most hands |
| 3-bet | AA, KK, maybe QQ/AK | Fold without premiums |
| 4-bet | AA, KK | Fold everything but AA |
| Raise postflop | Monster | Run away |
Example: 3-Betting a Nit
Nit opens from MP to 3BB.
Your hand: K♠ J♠ on Button.
Against normal player: Call or 3-bet both fine.
Against nit: Fold. Their range crushes you.
Nit opens from Button to 2.5BB.
Your hand: 7♠ 5♠ in Big Blind.
Action: 3-bet! They fold 75% of the time. Pure profit.
Nit vs Tight-Passive
| Nit | Tight-Passive |
|---|---|
| Even tighter | Slightly looser |
| Extremely predictable | Predictable |
| Folds to any pressure | Might call with pairs |
| Almost never bluffs | Never bluffs |
Key Takeaway
Nits are ATMs—steal their blinds constantly. When they finally enter a pot, get out of the way. Never bluff them postflop (they already folded), and never pay off their bets (they have the nuts).