Play tight then bluff more vs bluff first then play tight

[punkass]

My friends and I like to go to AC frequently. As I see them play various games, they tend to be more loose in the beginning, raising with suited connectors UTG, bluffing in a lowlimit game, and so on. They know that if you play according to the books I've been reading, and they have too, that you have the percentages to win in the long run. But once we get to the casino and sit down, that all vanishes from their minds.

But they have successes sometimes. Which leads me to ask: Which is the better strategy? To play tight first, folding often and showing down good hands, then opening the door to bluffs later on, or to loosen your play first, showing bluffs with no pair and crappy beginning cards, then to get paid off later when you have the goods?

I like the play tight first better, cause I find it's easier on my variance, but my friends milk it for all it's worth when the cards seem to fall. I just wanted some opinions on this. Thanks.

john