What Does Jam Mean in Poker?
In poker, “Jam” refers to a player going all-in, betting all their remaining chips in one move. This is often used as a strategic maneuver to pressure opponents into folding. Play poker to experience this strategy firsthand.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Jam:
Players often “jam” when they want to maximize fold equity, especially in tournament situations where accumulating chips is crucial. It’s also used when a player has a strong hand and wants to build the pot or deny opponents the chance to draw out.
In-Game Example:
You’re in the late stages of a tournament with 12 big blinds left, holding AK. The action folds to you in the small blind, and you decide to jam, putting maximum pressure on the big blind.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Jam in spots where fold equity is high, particularly when your stack is in the 10-20 big blind range.
- Common Mistake: Jamming when you have a deep stack without considering opponent tendencies or stack sizes.
- Pro Tips: Use jamming as a bluff against tight players in bubble situations to exploit their tendency to play conservatively.
- Differences in Play: Online players might jam more frequently due to faster play and less live reading; over the table, timing and physical tells can impact the decision to jam.
Alternative Names:
Shove, Push
FAQs:
- Q: What hands should I consider jamming with?
A: Consider jamming with premium hands or hands that have strong equity against calling ranges, like suited connectors or small pairs. - Q: When is it too risky to jam?
A: Avoid jamming when your stack is deep, and there are better ways to extract value from your hand.
