Hey guys... long time site reader, first time poster.

I'm pretty new to the game, I've read several books... online guides, etc. There's one thing I can't seem to get a solid understanding about: what cards to play pre-flop.

Most online guides I read seem to say the best route is strict and tight. Raise with AA, KK. Call with decent facecards... but anything in your hand less than 10 is insta-fold.

Is tighter always better? From the games I've played TONS of people limp in with utter crap, and often win because of lucky flops. I guess my basic question is why are the guides recommending playing super tight, yet most players I go up against limp in alot. Are they just bad players? Or is there more to this?