What Does Call Mean in Poker?
In poker, a ‘Call’ is when a player matches the current bet to stay in the hand.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Call
Players often use this term when deciding to match another player’s bet during a round of betting. It is commonly heard when a player is deciding whether to see more cards on the flop, turn, or river.
In-Game Example
During a hand, Player A bets $50 on the turn. Player B, wanting to see the river card, decides to call by also putting $50 into the pot, matching Player A’s bet.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Call when the pot odds are favorable compared to the odds of completing your hand.
- Common Mistake: Calling too often with weak hands, leading to unnecessary losses.
- Pro Tips: Use calls strategically to disguise the strength of your hand and control the pot size.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: In live poker, physical tells can influence calling decisions, whereas online, decisions rely more on betting patterns and timing tells.
Alternative Names
None
FAQs:
- Q: How do I know when to call a bet?
A: Evaluate your hand strength, the pot odds, and your opponent’s tendencies before deciding to call. - Q: Is calling a good strategy?
A: Calling can be a good strategy if it helps you achieve favorable pot odds or if you are trapping an opponent.
