What is AFq in Poker?

Introduction

Aggression separates winning players from those who passively bleed chips. One of the most important metrics for measuring aggression is Aggression Frequency. This statistic helps determine how often a player takes an aggressive action, betting or raising, instead of calling or folding.

In this blog, we will cover everything about AFq and how it’s calculated.

What is Aggression Frequency (AFq)?

Aggression Frequency is a percentage-based metric that measures how often a player chooses an aggressive action (betting or raising) when they have the opportunity. Unlike other aggression stats, AFq accounts for all possible actions, making it a more accurate measure of how aggressive a player truly is.

The formula for AFq is:

AFq = (Bets+Raises/Bets+Raises+Calls+Folds)×100

Where:

• Bets = The number of times a player places a bet.
  
• Raises = The number of times a player raises a bet.
  
• Calls = The number of times a player calls a bet.
  
• Folds = The number of times a player folds.
  

This formula gives a percentage that reflects how frequently a player chooses aggression over passivity.

Understanding AFq Percentages

AFq is measured on a 0% to 100% scale:

A player with 0% AFq never bets or raises—they only check, call, or fold. A player with 100% AFq always bets or raises and never calls or folds. Most solid winning players have an AFq between 40-60%, balancing aggression with strategic passivity.

AFq vs. Aggression Factor (AF)

Poker tracking software often provides multiple aggression stats, including AFq and Aggression Factor (AF). While both measure aggression, they do so differently.

Example Comparison of AF vs. AFq

Two players bet or raise 20 times and call 10 times each, but one folds frequently while the other folds less:

• Player A: Bets/Raises (20), Calls (10), Folds (20)
  
• AF = 20 / 10 = 2.0
  
• AFq = (20 / 50) × 100 = 40%
  
  
• Player B: Bets/Raises (20), Calls (10), Folds (5)
• AF = 20 / 10 = 2.0 (Same as Player A)
  
• AFq = (20 / 35) × 100 = 57%
  

Even though both players have the same AF (2.0), Player B is more aggressive in practice because they fold less often. AFq captures this more accurately.

How to Use AFq to Improve Your Poker Strategy

1. Identifying and Exploiting Opponents Based on AFq

Low AFq Players (0-30% - Passive Players)

These players avoid aggression, preferring to call or fold. They are often referred to as calling stations.

How to exploit them:

• Bet and raise frequently, as they won’t fight back unless they have a strong hand.
  
• Avoid bluffing, as they tend to call down with weak hands.
  
• Extract maximum value from strong hands by betting big, as they will call with worse holdings.
  

Moderate AFq Players (40-60% - Balanced Players)

These players mix aggression and passivity, making them harder to exploit.

How to adjust against them:

• Avoid over-bluffing, as they will call appropriately.
  
• Look for tendencies—do they lean more aggressive or more passive?
  
• If they fold to pressure, increase your betting frequency. If they resist, tighten up.
  

High AFq Players (70-100% - Aggressive Players)

These are hyper-aggressive players who bet and raise constantly. They can be maniacs (reckless) or skilled aggressors (tactical).

How to exploit them:

• Trap them by checking strong hands and letting them bet into you.
  
• Avoid calling too many of their bets with weak hands—wait for a strong hand and let them build the pot.
  
• Use their aggression against them by inducing bluffs (e.g., checking a strong hand on the river to let them fire one last bluff).
  

2. Adjusting Your Own AFq for Maximum Profitability

A healthy AFq usually falls between 40-60%, but it depends on your playing style:

• If your AFq is too low (<30%): You are too passive. Start betting and raising more to apply pressure.
  
• If your AFq is too high (>70%): You are over-aggressive. Scale back on unnecessary aggression, as opponents will start trapping you.
  

3. AFq in Different Poker Formats

AFq can vary based on the type of poker game you are playing:

Cash Games

• A balanced AFq (40-60%) is optimal for long-term profit.
  
• Being too aggressive (70%+) in cash games can make you an easy target for trapping.
  

Tournaments

• Early stages: Lower AFq is fine, as survival is key.
  
• Middle stages: Increase aggression to steal blinds and build a stack.
  
• Late stages: High AFq is necessary, as aggression wins tournaments.
  

Heads-Up Poker

• AFq is naturally high, often 60%+.
  
• Passive heads-up players are easily crushed by aggressive opponents.
  

Examples of AFq in Action

Example 1: Exploiting a Passive Opponent (AFq 25%)

You face a player who only raises with the nuts and calls with weak hands.

• Adjustment: Bluff them relentlessly and bet your strong hands for maximum value.
  

Example 2: Exploiting an Aggressive Opponent (AFq 85%)

Your opponent bets and raises every hand, forcing folds.

• Adjustment: Slow-play strong hands and let them overcommit. Check-raise them often.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good Aggression Frequency (AFq) percentage?

A balanced AFq is generally 40-60%, meaning you apply aggression without being overly reckless. Players with AFq below 30% tend to be too passive and miss value, while those above 70% are highly aggressive and vulnerable to traps. In tournaments, AFq may increase in later stages as stealing blinds becomes essential.

How does AFq differ from Aggression Factor (AF)?

AF measures aggression by comparing bets/raises to calls, but it ignores folds, making it incomplete. AFq considers all actions, including folds, providing a more accurate picture of a player's overall aggression.

How do I exploit a player with a low AFq?

Players with low AFq (0-30%) are passive and rarely apply pressure. To exploit them, bet aggressively to force folds and extract maximum value from strong hands. Avoid bluffing, as they tend to call with weak holdings.

How to play against a high AFq player?

Against high AFq (70%+) players, don’t try to out-aggress them. Instead, trap them by slow-playing strong hands and letting them bet into you. Avoid calling their bets with marginal hands and instead look for opportunities to check-raise.

Conclusion

Aggression Frequency is one of the most useful Poker stats, giving a clear picture of a player’s style of play. Winning poker requires a balanced AFq—too low, and you get bullied; too high, and you become reckless. By understanding and adjusting AFq, you can dominate opponents and maximize profits at the table.