What Does Cripple Mean in Poker?
Cripple refers to when a player’s hand significantly limits the chances of other players forming strong hands, often because it includes key cards from the deck that others need to complete their draws. This can be a particularly powerful position when playing online poker.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Cripple
You might hear this term during a hand where one player holds dominant cards, such as having pocket aces with an ace on the board, reducing the potential for others to hit an ace-high draw.
In-Game Example
Imagine you’re holding AA and the flop comes AKQ. You’ve effectively crippled any player hoping to draw to an ace-high straight or better.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Use your advantage to extract maximum value when you have a crippling hand.
- Common Mistake: Slow playing too much and allowing opponents to catch up.
- Pro Tips: In live games, read opponents’ discomfort when the board seems to cripple potential draws; online, watch for rare bluffs or overbets in these spots.
Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online
At a live table, your ability to read opponents’ reactions can give you an edge when you hold a crippling hand. Online, focus on betting patterns to gauge their reaction.
Alternative Names
No widely recognized alternative names for this term.
FAQs
- Q: Can a hand still be considered crippling if an opponent can draw to a straight or flush?
A: Yes, if your hand significantly reduces the likelihood of these draws being completed.
Related Terms
- Dominating Hand
- Blocker Effect
