Strategy

What is Cap in Poker? Definition & Examples

Here's a clear definition with real-hand context, plus how it connects to the rest of your strategy.

Quick answer

Cap — A maximum strength your range cannot exceed.

In more detail

If you only call a flop bet (rather than raise), your range is 'capped' — you don’t have the absolute strongest hands. Opponents can exploit this on later streets.

Common questions

What does Cap mean in poker?

If you only call a flop bet (rather than raise), your range is 'capped' — you don’t have the absolute strongest hands. Opponents can exploit this on later streets.

Related terms

Bluff
Betting or raising with a weak hand to make opponents fold.
Check-Raise
Checking, then raising after an opponent bets.
Fold Equity
The value gained from the chance opponents fold to your bet.
GTO
A mathematically unexploitable strategy.

New to poker? Start with our preflop strategy guide and the free TAG cheatsheet.