Pat
What Does Pat Mean in Poker?
In online poker, a ‘Pat’ hand is a hand that is already complete and strong enough that the player does not need to draw any additional cards to improve it. This term is often used in draw poker games.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Pat:
Players often mention a ‘Pat’ hand in draw poker variants when discussing hands they choose not to alter. For example, in Five-Card Draw, a player might say “I’m standing pat” to indicate they are not drawing new cards.
In-Game Example:
Imagine you’re playing Five-Card Draw and you’re dealt a straight from the start. You decide not to draw any new cards, declaring your hand as ‘Pat’.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Utilize a ‘Pat’ hand to apply pressure in draw games, signaling confidence in your hand strength.
- Common Mistake: Misjudging the strength of a ‘Pat’ hand against opponents’ potential draws, leading to overconfidence.
- Pro Tips: In live games, use your body language to reinforce the strength of a ‘Pat’ hand; online, consider position and opponents’ tendencies when making a ‘Pat’ decision.
Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online:
In live games, physical cues can help you gauge whether to stand pat. Online, rely more on betting patterns and game flow.
Alternative Names:
Standing Pat
FAQs:
- Q: What is the advantage of a Pat hand?
- A: A Pat hand allows you to maintain pressure without the risk of drawing worse cards.
- Q: Can you “pat” in games other than draw poker?
- A: The term is primarily used in draw poker, but the concept of a complete hand applies to all poker variants.
Related Terms:
- Draw
- Stand Pat
