Cold Streak
What Does Cold Streak Mean in Poker?
Cold streak refers to a prolonged period of time in poker where a player experiences a series of losses or fails to win hands, despite making correct decisions or playing well. This is often attributed to bad luck or variance.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Cold Streak
You might hear this term during a poker game or conversation when a player is discussing a run of bad luck, such as when they have been consistently losing despite playing optimally.
In-Game Example
Imagine you’ve been playing a tournament for hours, getting good starting hands and making the right plays, yet you keep losing to second-best hands. This is a classic cold streak.
Strategy / Tips
Best Practice: Stay disciplined and continue to make the right decisions, focusing on long-term results rather than short-term variance.
Common Mistake: Allowing frustration to affect your gameplay, leading to poor decision-making or tilting.
Pro Tips: Maintain a positive mindset and manage your bankroll to withstand variance. Consider taking a break if frustration builds.
Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online
Online, a cold streak might seem more intense due to the faster pace of play. Over the table, emotional control is more visible and crucial, as opponents can pick up on frustration.
Alternative Names
There are no widely recognized alternative names for a cold streak specific to poker.
FAQs
Q: How long can a cold streak last?
A: It varies greatly, depending on the number of hands played and variance, but staying true to sound strategy will help overcome it.
Q: Is it possible to avoid cold streaks?
A: No, cold streaks are part of variance in poker, but proper strategy and bankroll management can help minimize their impact.
Related Terms
Variance
Tilt
