When you ‘call’ in poker it means you are matching the most recent bet or raise stake in the current round.
Different types of calls in poker
In poker, there are several types of calls, each with its specific context and meaning. Here are the most common types of calls in poker:
- Regular Call: A regular call occurs when a player matches the amount of the current bet. For example, if a player bets $10, and another player matches that bet by putting $10 into the pot, it’s a regular call.
- Cold Call: A cold call happens when a player calls a raise and one or more bets without having previously bet or raised in that betting round, as explained in the previous response.
- Overcall: An overcall occurs when a player calls a bet after one or more players have already called the same bet. For instance, if Player A bets, Player B calls, and then Player C also calls, Player C’s action is considered an overcall.
- Check-Call: While not exactly a “call” in the traditional sense, a check-call happens when a player checks (opts not to bet) in a betting round, and then calls a bet made by an opponent later in that same round.
- Donk Call: This term is used to describe a situation where a player who didn’t initiate the betting in the previous street now calls a bet from the aggressor in the current betting round. It’s often considered an unusual or unorthodox play.
- String Call: A string call occurs when a player puts some chips into the pot but then goes back to their stack to get more chips without stating their intended action clearly. This is generally not allowed in casinos and poker rooms, as it can be used to gain information about opponents’ reactions before committing to a full call.
Each type of call can convey different information to observant opponents, and skilled players use these actions strategically to manipulate the perceptions of their opponents at the poker table. Understanding the nuances of these calls is crucial for mastering the psychological and strategic aspects of the game.
Hero call in Poker
A “hero call” in poker refers to a situation where a player makes a difficult or daring call with a relatively weak hand, believing they are ahead of their opponent’s hand. It usually occurs during the final betting round when both players reveal their hands, and the hero caller makes the correct decision despite having a hand that might normally warrant a fold.
A hero call is considered heroic because the player is risking their chips by calling a bet or a raise with a hand that doesn’t seem strong enough to win. It requires a deep understanding of the game, the ability to read opponents, and a strong intuition about the situation. Making a successful hero call can be a pivotal moment in a poker game, leading to a significant pot win and boosting the hero caller’s stack.
Cold call in poker
In poker, a “cold call” refers to a situation where a player faces a raise and a subsequent call before it’s their turn to act, and they decide to make a call without having previously invested any chips in the pot during that betting round.
Here’s a breakdown of what happens in a cold call scenario:
- Player A raises: The first player, let’s call them Player A, makes a bet.
- Player B calls: The second player, Player B, decides to call Player A’s bet.
- Player C cold calls: Now, another player, let’s call them Player C, decides to make a “cold call.” This means Player C calls both the original bet from Player A and the call from Player B without having previously bet or raised in that betting round.
Cold calling is considered a more passive and cautious move because the player is not the aggressor in the betting. It usually indicates that the player has a moderately strong hand but does not want to commit a significant amount of chips by raising. Cold calling can also happen in the blinds when a player faces a raise and a call and decides to call with their blind investment.
Players might use a cold calling strategy to control the size of the pot, especially if they are out of position or if they believe their hand is strong enough to see a flop but not strong enough to raise. It’s important for players to carefully consider their hand strength, position at the table, and the actions of their opponents before deciding to make a cold call in poker.