What Does Go All In Mean in Poker?
“Go All In” refers to a poker move where a player bets all their remaining chips on a single hand. This is usually done as a strategic decision to maximize potential winnings or to apply significant pressure on opponents. Learn more about online poker.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term “Go All In”
You might hear “Go All In” during intense moments in a poker game, such as:
- When a player is short-stacked in a tournament and decides to push all their chips to maximize fold equity.
- In cash games when a player tries to double up with a strong hand or bluff opponents off a pot.
In-Game Example
You’re sitting with a dwindling stack in a tournament, holding AK. The action folds to you, and you decide to “Go All In” to pressure the blinds and hopefully double up.
Strategy / Tips
Best Practice: Use the “Go All In” move when your stack is too small to effectively play post-flop, or when you have a strong hand that wants maximum value.
Common Mistake: Going all in with a marginal hand without considering opponents’ tendencies or stack sizes.
Pro Tips: In live games, observe opponents’ physical tells which may indicate their willingness to call. Online, pay attention to betting patterns and timing tells.
Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online
When playing live, physical tells can give you additional information about whether an opponent is likely to call your all-in. Online, players rely more heavily on timing and betting patterns.
Alternative Names
No significant alternative names, but sometimes referred to as “shoving.”
FAQs
Q: Is “Going All In” always a bluff?
A: No, it can be used with strong hands for value or with weaker hands as a bluff.
Q: Can you go all in at any stage of a poker game?
A: Yes, players can choose to go all in at any point during the hand.
