What Does Zombie Mean in Poker?
In poker, a ‘Zombie’ refers to a player who is eliminated from a tournament but is allowed to re-enter or continue playing due to a re-buy or similar rule.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Zombie
You might hear this term during tournaments that offer re-buys or re-entries, where players discuss strategies for managing their re-buy opportunities or describe opponents who have re-entered.
In-Game Example
During a multi-table tournament, a player goes all-in and loses their stack. Instead of being eliminated, they use a re-buy to continue playing, hence becoming a ‘Zombie’ in the tournament.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Use the re-buy opportunity strategically, considering stack sizes and tournament dynamics.
- Common Mistake: Re-buying without a clear plan or when the tournament odds are unfavorable.
- Pro Tips: Evaluate the tournament structure before deciding to re-enter; sometimes it’s better to save the re-buy for a more promising spot.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Online play often allows quicker re-entries, so be prepared for faster-paced decision-making, whereas live play may involve longer waits.
Alternative Names
Second Life, Re-Entry Player.
FAQs
- Q: Can a Zombie win the tournament?
A: Absolutely, a re-buy can provide a second chance to claim victory. - Q: Is there a limit to how many times a player can re-buy?
A: This depends on the tournament rules; some allow unlimited re-buys, while others restrict it.
