What Does Flip Mean in Poker?
In online poker, a “flip” refers to a scenario where two players have roughly equal chances of winning a hand, typically occurring when one player has a pocket pair and the other has two overcards. It is considered a 50/50 situation.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Flip:
You might hear the term “flip” at the poker table during discussions about preflop all-ins, particularly in tournament play where short stacks make moves with pocket pairs and overcards.
In-Game Example:
Player A holds 99, and Player B holds AK. Both players go all-in preflop. This is a classic flip situation where either hand could win.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Recognize when to embrace flips in tournaments, especially when short-stacked or when a double-up is crucial.
- Common Mistake: Misjudging a flip by ignoring additional factors like stack sizes and tournament life.
- Pro Tips: In online play, use tools to calculate equity in real-time. Over the table, rely on experience and probability understanding.
Alternative Names:
Coin flip, race.
FAQs:
Q: What are the odds in a typical flip?
A: In a standard flip between a pocket pair and overcards, each side has close to a 50% chance of winning, though slight variations can occur based on the specific cards.
Q: Is it worth taking flips in cash games?
A: Generally, flips are more strategic in tournaments where chip accumulation is critical. In cash games, the decision often depends on bankroll considerations and game dynamics.
