Cold Call

Understanding Cold Call

The term “Cold Call” in poker is defined as the action of calling a raise after there has already been a bet and one or more raises.

It’s a move that shows you’re willing to enter the pot after several players have shown strength, without having previously committed any money in the current betting round​​​​.

The Basics of Cold Calling

Cold calling occurs in various situations but is most commonly associated with pre-flop play.

For instance, if a player raises before the flop and another player calls this raise without having previously put money into the pot during this round of betting, that’s a cold call.

This scenario can get more complex with multiple raises (e.g., a 3-bet or 4-bet situation), but the essence remains the same: you’re calling in a situation where the pot has already seen significant action​​.

Strategic Considerations

When to Cold Call

Cold calling is a nuanced strategy that depends on a variety of factors, including the dynamics of the table, your position, and the type of opponents you’re facing.

It might be strategically advantageous when up against aggressive players who frequently raise and re-raise. In such cases, entering the pot with a speculative hand like a small pocket pair or suited connectors can be a wise move, especially if you’re in a position that allows you to act after most other players have made their decisions​​.

When Not to Cold Call

However, cold calling has its downsides. It’s generally not advisable to cold call with strong hands when you could be raising to build the pot.

Similarly, cold calling in early position or against a tight player’s raise can be risky, as you’ll likely be out of position post-flop, and there’s a higher chance of facing a squeeze play from opponents yet to act​​.

Positional Play and Cold Calls

Your position at the table significantly affects the viability of cold calling as a strategy.

The button (BTN) and big blind (BB) are positions where cold calling can be more strategically sound, thanks to positional advantages and, in the case of the BB, a discount on entering the pot due to the mandatory blind bet​​.

The Verdict on Cold Calling

Cold calling is a tool in a poker player’s arsenal that should be used judiciously.

While it can be an effective way to navigate certain situations, particularly against aggressive opponents or when holding speculative hands, it requires a keen understanding of poker strategy and table dynamics.

Remember, successful poker is about adapting your strategy to the specific context of each game, and cold calling is no exception.