Betting concept

Cold Call in Poker — What It Means and When to Use It

Cold Call is a betting move. Here's exactly what it means, when it's right, and when to avoid it.

Quick answer

Cold Call — Calling a raise without having previously been involved in the betting.

In more detail

Old wisdom said never cold-call; modern theory does it but selectively, mostly with suited or pocket-pair hands in position.

Common questions

What does Cold Call mean in poker?

Old wisdom said never cold-call; modern theory does it but selectively, mostly with suited or pocket-pair hands in position.

Related terms

All-In
Betting all your remaining chips.
Ante
A forced bet all players must post before each hand.
Barrel
A continuation bet on a later street (double = flop+turn, triple = + river).
Blind
A forced bet posted before the cards are dealt.

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