What Does Insurance Mean in Poker?
Insurance in poker is a side bet made between players to minimize the risk of losing a significant pot. If a player is leading but worries an opponent might hit a card to win, they can opt for insurance. The player pays a premium to secure a payout even if they lose the hand, assuming the opponent’s card hits.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Insurance:
Insurance is commonly mentioned during high-stakes games or situations where players face substantial risk on the turn or river and want to protect themselves against unlikely but possible losses.
In-Game Example:
Imagine you’re holding AK on a board of AK59. You’re ahead, but your opponent holds QJ for a flush draw. You might take insurance to ensure a payout if the river brings a diamond.
Strategy / Tips:
Best Practice: Use insurance in high-stakes situations where the pot size justifies the premium, and the risk of an opponent hitting is significant.
Common Mistake: Taking insurance too frequently can erode your profits, especially if the odds of an opponent hitting are low.
Pro Tips: Consider insurance when playing live and facing aggressive opponents who might push draws heavily.
Differences playing over the table vs online: Insurance is more prevalent in live settings, where players negotiate side bets. Online platforms rarely offer in-game insurance options.
Alternative names:
“Side Bet”, “Protection Bet”
FAQs:
Q: Is insurance available in online poker?
A: Generally, insurance is not offered in online poker games unless facilitated by the platform as a special feature.
Q: Does taking insurance affect my winnings?
A: Yes, taking insurance reduces your overall winnings since you pay a premium for the guaranteed payout.
