Isolation
What Does Isolation Mean in Poker?
Isolation is a strategy where a player raises to force other players to fold, leaving only one opponent. This is often done to play heads-up against a weaker player.
Learn more about online poker and how isolation strategies can improve your game.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Isolation:
Isolation is commonly mentioned when a player is attempting to thin the field, especially when there’s a loose or weak player in the pot, and the rest of the table is likely to fold.
In-Game Example:
You have AQ in middle position and a loose player limps from early position. You raise to isolate the limper, hoping to go heads-up with them and leverage your stronger hand and positional advantage.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Use isolation raises when you have a strong hand and position over a weaker player.
- Common Mistake: Isolating with weak hands that don’t play well post-flop, especially out of position.
- Pro Tips: Adjust your raise size based on the tendencies of the limper and the stack sizes. Online, you might need larger raises due to looser calling ranges.
Differences Playing Over The Table vs Online:
Isolation raises might need to be larger online due to generally looser play, whereas in live games, player reads and physical tells can influence your decision to isolate.
Alternative Names:
Isolation play, iso-raise.
FAQs:
Q: Why is isolation important?
A: It allows you to play against a weaker opponent with a stronger hand and positional advantage.
Q: How do I decide when to isolate?
A: Consider your hand strength, position, the tendencies of the limper, and your stack size.
