Understanding VP$IP

VP$IP is a tool that is largely the invention of online poker. Where is may have been a way to measure pre flop play prior to the existence of the internet, it has not become a mainstream term until recently. VP$IP might look like an intimidating abbreviation, but it is actually quite simple.

What Does VP$IP Stand For?

VP$IP stands for Voluntarily Put ($) money In Pot.

How to Use VP$IP

This statistic relates to pre flop play exclusively. A player who voluntarily puts money in a pot has invested money at their own free will. This means that the big blind would not be considered a player who is voluntarily putting money in the pot, as this is what is called a forced bet. If the big blind decided to call or make a raise, however, they would then be voluntarily putting money in the pot. VP$IP percentages are relative to the game they are being used in.

A 23 VP$IP would be good for a 6-Max No Limit Hold’em cash game, but it would be terrible for a heads up cash game. A common misconception of VP$IP is that there are certain ranges that need to be adhered to. While there might be a very broad range that would be ideal for a certain game, there are many different styles of play that can be profitable. A solid poker player will be able to analyze both their own VP$IP and their opponent’s VP$IP.

VP$IP Ranges

VP$IP ranges vary from style to style. An aggressive player, at a 6-Max game, might have a VP$IP that approaches 30, but a tight player could be closer to 17. This 13 point spread is a tremendous gap. The success of each player will rely on how often they are raising, as opposed to calling, in the pots that they voluntarily play. It is vital that a player is raising a large portion of the time where they are getting involved in a hand.

As a general rule it is a good idea to have a pre flop raise percentage that is around 3 or 4 less than the VP$IP percentage. This number is something that most players work on after they define their playing style. It is virtually impossible to start playing with the goal of achieving a style that matches these numbers. The better way to achieve these numbers is to find out what your numbers currently are and then adjust your play accordingly. For example, if your VP$IP to pre flop raise percentage was 24/13 you would know that the aggression needs to be stepped. To do this you would need to work on raising more pots and playing less passively.

After another significant amount of hands you would then be able to reevaluate your numbers and work on adjusting your play once again. Repeat this cycle and you will eventually have numbers that work really well. If you find that your statistics look pretty solid, but you are still losing, the odds are that there is something else wrong with your game. Review your sessions and you might find some leaks that will help to better refine your game.

SUMMARY: What is VP$IP?

VP$IP is a number that helps players identify the looseness of their opponents. It does not describe how aggressive a player is, but it can be used to judge how often a player gets involved in hands. When you couple VP$IP with pre flop aggression you will be able to tweak your game to perfection. Related articles – Exploiting Weak Players – Bum Hunting – 3 Betting Poker Strategy – 4 Betting Pre & Post Flop