What Does Equity Denial Mean in Poker?
Equity Denial is the strategy of betting or raising to prevent opponents from realizing their equity in a hand by forcing them to fold before they can see more community cards. Learn more about online poker.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Equity Denial:
This term is often mentioned in situations where a player bets to protect a vulnerable hand or when trying to eliminate the possibility of opponents hitting their draws in later streets.
In-Game Example:
Imagine you hold AQ on a board of Q84. You bet large to deny equity to hands like JT or A9, which have potential to improve on the turn or river.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Use equity denial when you have a made hand that is vulnerable to draws.
- Common Mistake: Overusing equity denial in spots where you don’t have a strong enough hand to justify the risk.
- Pro Tips: It’s more effective against opponents who play straightforward and are less likely to float with weak hands.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Online players might be more prone to calling with draws due to quicker decision-making and less physical pressure.
Alternative Names:
Sometimes referred to as “Protection Betting” or “Equity Blocking.”
FAQs:
- Q: Is equity denial more important in cash games or tournaments?
A: It is important in both, but more critical in tournaments where chip preservation is key. - Q: Can equity denial backfire?
A: Yes, if used excessively, it can lead to unnecessary loss of chips when opponents have strong hands.
