Calling Station
What Does Calling Station Mean in Poker?
A calling station is a poker player who frequently calls bets but rarely raises, often playing passively and seeing many hands without taking aggressive action.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Calling Station:
Commonly mentioned when describing a player who doesn’t fold easily and tends to call bets with a wide range of hands, especially in low-stakes games.
In-Game Example:
You’re in a hand with a player who calls every street despite having a weak holding, showing reluctance to fold even against strong betting.
Strategy / Tips:
Best Practice: Exploit calling stations by value betting more often with your strong hands, knowing they are likely to call with worse hands.
Common Mistake: Bluffing against a calling station, as they are less likely to fold.
Pro Tips: In online poker play, adjust by identifying these players through hand histories and bet sizing patterns, while live, observe their tendencies and react accordingly.
Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online:
While playing live, you can pick up on physical tells and betting patterns to identify a calling station, whereas online you may need to rely more on statistical data and history notes.
Alternative Names:
Other common names include “loose passive.”
FAQs:
Q: How do you deal with a calling station in a tournament?
A: Focus on value betting your strong hands and avoid bluffing, as they tend to call down with marginal hands.
