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What is a Setup in Poker?

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What is a Setup in Poker?

What Does Setup Mean in Poker?

A ‘setup’ refers to a situation where the players’ hands are such that one player is almost guaranteed to win a large amount from another due to the strength of their hands. It often involves one player having a very strong hand that is only beaten by an even stronger hand held by their opponent. You can often encounter such scenarios when you play poker online.

When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Setup

This term is commonly mentioned during gameplay when discussing hands that have resulted in significant wins or losses due to the natural and unavoidable strength of the hands.

In-Game Example

Imagine holding a full house, Aces full of Kings, only to find your opponent holds four Aces. Both hands are incredibly strong, but the four Aces is unbeatable in this scenario.

Strategy / Tips

  • Best Practice: Sometimes, setups are unavoidable. Focus on minimizing losses by recognizing the signs early.
  • Common Mistake: Overcommitting chips without considering the possibility of being in a setup situation.
  • Pro Tips: Pay attention to betting patterns that might indicate a setup and proceed with caution, especially in tight games.

Differences playing over the table vs online

In live poker, players might notice physical tells or hesitations that suggest a setup. Online, players must rely on timing and betting patterns.

Alternative Names

None commonly used.

FAQs

Q: Can you avoid being in a setup?
A: While you can’t always avoid setups, recognizing patterns and betting clues can help minimize your losses.

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