
What Does Broke Mean in Poker?
Broke: A slang term in poker referring to a player who has lost all their money or bankroll, effectively having no funds left to continue playing.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Broke:
You’ll often hear the term “broke” in situations where a player has had a bad run of cards, lost a series of hands, or failed to manage their bankroll effectively. It’s common in both casual conversations and serious gameplay discussions.
In-Game Example:
Imagine a player who starts a cash game session with $500 and through a series of unfortunate hands, loses it all. By the end of the session, they’re “broke,” unable to buy back in without additional funds.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Always manage your bankroll carefully to avoid going broke. Set limits on how much you’re willing to lose in a session.
- Common Mistake: Chasing losses by playing higher stakes than usual, which can quickly deplete your bankroll.
- Pro Tips: Use bankroll management strategies like the 5% rule, where you never risk more than 5% of your total bankroll in a single game.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Online games often have more variance due to the number of hands played per hour, so stricter bankroll management is crucial.
Alternative names:
“Busted”, “Tapped Out”
FAQs:
Q: Can a player recover from going broke?
A: Yes, by reassessing their strategy, learning from mistakes, and possibly seeking additional funds to rebuild their bankroll responsibly.
Playing Online Poker
For those interested in online poker, managing your bankroll is crucial to avoid going broke. You can play poker online, but always remember to play responsibly.
Related terms:
Bankroll Management, Downswings