Lemming
The passive follower who limps frequently and rarely takes initiative preflop. Moderately loose (20-35% VPIP) but extremely passive. Limps behind others and folds to aggression.
Player Statistics
VPIP
PFR
Limp Frequency
3-Bet %
Cold Call %
Identifying Lemming Players
Lemmings are easy to spot by their passive, follow-the-leader preflop play:
- Limps behind others: If someone limps, Lemming limps behind 50%+ of the time
- Rarely open-raises: Prefers to limp or call rather than open-raise first in
- Low PFR relative to VPIP: 20-35% VPIP but only 10-20% PFR = passive preflop
- Follows table dynamics: If everyone's limping, they limp; if everyone's folding, they fold
- Scared of 3-bets: Folds 70-80% to 3-bets—only continues with strong hands
- Completes SB always: When action folds to SB, they complete 80%+ with any two
- Never squeezes: In multiway pots after raise + call(s), never squeezes—just folds or calls
🐑 Lemming Indicator
If you see someone limp behind other limpers 3+ times but never raise first in, you've identified a Lemming. They're followers, not leaders.
Preflop Tendencies
- Limp-behind specialist: If someone limps, Lemming limps behind 40-50% of the time
- Completes SB religiously: When action folds to SB, Lemming completes 80%+ of the time
- Rarely open-raises: Opens only 10-15% of hands—prefers passive entry
- Cold calls raises: Calls opens with suited connectors (65s-JTs), pocket pairs (22-99), suited broadway
- Folds to 3-bets 70-80%: Only continues vs 3-bet with JJ+, AK, occasionally AQ
- Never squeezes: In multiway pots (open + call), Lemming just folds or overcalls—never squeezes
- Passive in blinds: Folds BB to steals 60% of the time, almost never 3-bets
- Following, not leading: Waits to see what others do, then follows suit
- VPIP/PFR gap: 20-35% VPIP but only 10-20% PFR = lots of limping and calling
Preflop Counter-Strategies
Iso-Raising Lemming Limps
- Sizing: 6-7x the limp (if Lemming limps $5, raise to $30-35)
- Range: Any broadway (AJ+, KQ), pairs 77+, suited aces A9s+
- Frequency: Iso-raise 45-55% when Lemming limps and you're in position
- Goal: Play heads-up vs their weak limp range, extract value in position
3-Betting Lemming Opens
- High fold-to-3bet: Lemming folds 70-80% to 3-bets
- 3-bet bluff range: Suited connectors, suited kings (K9s-KJs), suited aces (A9s-AJs)
- 3-bet value range: JJ+, AQ+
- Sizing: 3.5-4.5x their raise
- Frequency: 3-bet 18-22% when Lemming opens
Stealing Lemming Blinds
- BTN vs Lemming blinds: Open 45-55% of hands
- CO vs Lemming blinds: Open 35-45%
- Reasoning: Lemming folds BB 60-65% and SB 75-80% to steals
Responding to Lemming Aggression
- Lemming 3-bets you: Fold everything but QQ+, AK (they have premiums)
- Lemming open-raises: They're opening tight—only 3-bet for value or as bluff (see above)
💡 Key Insight: Attack Passivity
Lemmings are passive preflop. Your profit comes from iso-raising their limps, 3-bet bluffing their opens, and stealing their blinds. Be the aggressor.
Preflop Examples
Example #1: Iso-Raising Lemming Limp
Situation: $1/$3, 100bb. Lemming limps MP for $3. You're CO with 9♠9♦.
Your Action: Raise to $20 (6.5x)
Result: Lemming folds 60% (suited connectors, weak aces). Calls 40% (pairs, suited broadway).
Why it works: You isolate vs weak limp range and play heads-up in position with pocket pair.
Example #2: 3-Bet Bluffing Lemming Open
Situation: Lemming opens MP to $12. You're BTN with J♠T♠.
Your Action: 3-bet to $40
Result: Lemming folds 75% of the time (AJ, KQ, 99, 88, small pairs).
Why it works: Lemming opens tight but folds too much to 3-bets. JTs has playability when called and folds out tons of equity.
Example #3: Stealing Lemming Blinds
Situation: Folds to you on BTN. Lemming in SB, random player in BB. You have K♣7♣.
Your Action: Raise to $10
Result: Lemming folds SB 80% of the time. If BB folds too, you win $4.50 dead money.
Why: Lemming defends SB extremely tight. Even weak holdings like K7s are profitable steals.
Expected Win Rate
Against Lemming opponents:
- Heads-up vs Lemming: +10-18bb/100 (moderate profit)
- Best exploitation: Iso-raising their limps and stealing their blinds
- Variance: Low to moderate (they fold a lot, so fewer big pots)
Lemmings are profitable but less juicy than Fish or Whales. Focus on exploiting their passivity and fit-or-fold tendencies.
