Are you new to poker and hearing phrases that leave you scratching your head? You're not alone. Poker can oftentimes seem like it comes with its own language, and it’s easy to get lost in the jargon.
One term you might hear quite often is "cold call". What does it mean, and when do players use it? Don't worry; we'll break it down for you.
Throughout this post, we’ll simplify the concept of cold calling in poker so you’ll know exactly what players are talking about. Whether you're watching a professional poker game or playing with friends, understanding these terms can help you follow the action and maybe even improve your game.
Keep reading to discover what cold calling in poker is all about, and learn when and why players might choose to use this strategy at the table.
Cold Call Poker Meaning
In poker, a "cold call" happens when a player, who has not yet invested any chips in the current betting round, matches a bet and one or more raises before the action reaches them. It’s essentially entering a pot by calling a bet that has been raised without having already contributed anything to it.
Imagine you're sitting at a poker table. A player to your right bets, and the next player raises. Now, it's your turn, and you decide to just call the new, higher bet amount. This is a cold call if you have not made any aggressive betting moves so far. You are matching someone else's raise in stakes but from a relatively conservative position, hence the term "cold".
Cold calling can be a strategic move, especially if you have a strong hand that you believe can hold up against others who have raised. However, it also carries risks, as it might mean you're up against strong hands from the other players. Understanding when to use a cold call effectively can be an important part of playing poker successfully.
When To Cold Call In Poker?
Knowing when to cold call in poker is an important part of building a solid strategy. Let’s explore some situations where a cold call might be a wise choice.
Cold Calling Against Aggressors
If you’re up against a player who is betting aggressively, you might consider a cold call. This can be a way to see more cards without committing too much of your stack. However, make sure you have a hand that could stand a chance if they continue to push hard.
This can also be effective if you think a player is betting aggressively trying to sell a bluff. By matching their bet, you can make them think you have a strong hand, which could throw off their strategy and potentially even result in them folding.
Cold Call With Pocket Pairs
Pocket pairs - i.e. having 2 cards of the same rank for your hole cards - can be a good situation to cold call since you know you have a strong hand from the start and can rival other aggressive bettors at this stage. Also, by cold calling, you can see the flop and assess whether you have the chance to make an even stronger hand, like three of a kind.
Cold Call Against Other Players With Weak Hands
If you sense that other players have weak hands, a cold call can be a strategic way to build the pot slowly while keeping an eye on everyone else. It lets you stay in the game without giving away your hand’s strength too obviously; this can potentially lead to a more favourable situation in later betting rounds.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.