What Does Deuces Mean in Poker?
In poker, ‘deuces’ refers to a pair of two cards with the rank of two. It is considered a low pair and may be referred to as ‘ducks’ in some poker slang. Learn more about online poker.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Deuces
Deuces are commonly mentioned during hand discussions when a player flops a set or considers calling with a small pair in a preflop scenario. “I had deuces and was debating whether to set mine against a big stack.”
In-Game Example
You’re holding 22 in the small blind. The board runs out 27K59. You hit a set on the flop with your deuces and lead the action to extract value from potential flush or straight draws.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Use deuces effectively by playing them in multiway pots where you have favorable odds to hit a set.
- Common Mistake: Overvaluing deuces post-flop when the board texture heavily favors your opponent’s range.
- Pro Tips: Consider the stack sizes and implied odds before chasing sets with deuces, especially in tournament play where chips are at a premium.
- Differences: Over the table, reading physical tells can help decide whether your opponent is weak against your set. Online, rely on bet sizing and timing tells to gauge strength.
Alternative Names
Ducks
FAQs
- Q: Are deuces worth playing in high-stakes games?
A: Yes, but primarily in situations where you can see a cheap flop or anticipate extracting high value when hitting a set. - Q: Why are deuces called ducks?
A: The term is likely derived from the visual similarity of the number ‘2’ to the shape of a duck.
Related Terms
- Drawing Dead
- Set Mining
- Pocket Pairs
