Side Card
What Does Side Card Mean in Poker?
A side card is a card that does not directly contribute to a poker hand’s rank but may be used to break ties between similar ranked hands. Learn more about online poker.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Side Card
During a poker hand showdown where two players have the same hand rank, and the side card determines the winner. It’s often discussed in contexts where hands are closely matched, such as when both players have a pair, and the kicker or side card decides the outcome.
In-Game Example
Imagine you hold AK and your opponent has AQ. The board runs out 9957J. Both players have a pair of nines, but your king side card beats their queen, giving you the pot.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Recognize the importance of kickers in hand strength, especially in close matchups.
- Common Mistake: Ignoring the value of side cards, particularly in drawing hands or when evaluating potential outcomes.
- Pro Tips: In tournaments, leverage side cards for aggressive plays when your main hand is marginal but your kicker is strong.
Differences playing over the table vs online: In live games, reading opponents might help gauge the strength of their side cards, while online, rely more on statistical tendencies and showdown data.
Alternative Names
Sometimes referred to as a “kicker.”
FAQs
Q: How does a side card affect the outcome of a hand?
A: A side card can determine the winner when players have the same hand rank by acting as a tiebreaker.
