Conservative
A conservative player plays few hands, avoids risk and bets or raises mostly with strong hands.
The simple explanation
A conservative approach is also called tight play. The player folds many hands and only invests chips in strong ones. This protects chips but can be predictable. Conservative players should still be willing to bet for value when they hold strong hands.
A closer look
Conservative strategy limits losses, especially for beginners or in high-stakes games. The weakness is that opponents learn that a bet means a strong hand, so they fold and you win small pots. Balanced players mix in some bluffs and a wider range of hands, but a conservative style is a good starting point. Their main error is folding too much against aggression. If an opponent bets often, you need to call with a wider range than your own comfort level.
A practical example
A conservative player folds most starting hands and raises only with pairs and big cards.
Full explanation
A conservative player plays few hands, avoids risk and bets or raises mostly with strong hands.
A conservative approach plays fewer hands, avoids unnecessary risk and bets or raises mostly with strong hands. It is the same idea as tight play.
The approach is safe and good for beginners, because it limits mistakes. A player who only plays strong hands cannot lose much by playing too many marginal hands.
The downside is predictability. If you only bet with strong hands, opponents can fold to your bets and call less when you raise.
Many strong players start with a conservative style and widen their range as they learn to read opponents and use position.